Methods, systems, and apparatuses for incorporating wireless headsets, terminals, and communication devices into fashion accessories and jewelry

ABSTRACT

A communication device including a wearable accessory having a first power source, a telecommunications device including a transceiver configured to allow wireless communication, wherein the telecommunications device is configured to couple and decouple with the wearable accessory, and wherein the telecommunications device is configured receive power from the first power source when coupled with the wearable accessory.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) fromProvisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/720,248, filed on Oct. 30,2012 and Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/745,453, filed onDec. 21, 2012, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

In the past 15 years, the mobile telephone industry has grown by leapsand bounds. The market demand for mobile phone accessories such asfaceplates, cases, chargers, and Bluetooth® headsets has alsoproliferated rapidly.

Since the explosion of Apple's iPhone® and its contribution to thephenomenon of app culture, companies large and small are trying toproduce devices that facilitate and maximize the use and functionalityfor consumers and their smartphones. For example, one company hasrecently introduced a “Smartwatch” that connects to a smartphone and candisplay Twitter feeds, Facebook updates, SMS, among other things pulledfrom a smartphone. Other companies have produced devices that measurethe energy you exert on a daily basis and send it to a smartphone, whilealso telling the time. Other devices may track user's daily activity andsend the information to a smartphone application. Other devices that canplay music and display text, the weather and other information from aphone have also been introduced.

These smart watches primarily serve as a complement to smartphones; forexample, they display information such as incoming calls and can controlsmartphone applications. As a result, the growth of the smartphonemarket directly influences growth of the smart watch market. Thesmartphone installed base hence serves as the total available market forsmart watches.

However, many of these fitness and health focused accessories are singlepurpose. Further, even though watch-like devices have attempted tobridge the mobile phone and consumer's informational needs but they aremore or less “geek-like” gadgets. Therefore style-conscious consumers,particularly females, do not take advantages of these unfashionablelooking smart watches, Bluetooth headsets, etc.

Similarly, in the past decade, Bluetooth headsets have transformed tomore than just transmitting voice conversation. In addition to advancingdigital signal processing and sound quality, many brands have alsoattempted to increase battery life, form factor, and design of itswireless headsets. Some headsets come with a mini display (usually oneor two liner) integrated for displaying caller ID, SMS, phonebook, songtitle, etc.

It is also true that most fashion houses and jewelry makers do not havethe technical know-how to efficiently integrate their fashion jewelrywith digital accessories. If they try to do it at all, they mustoutsource or partner with engineering service firms and/or OriginalEquipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to produce such a combination. Thus, nonehas been able to integrate Bluetooth headsets and wireless communicationdevices with jewelry and fashion accessories consumers enjoy wearing. Itis believed that (1) the capability and technologies to miniaturizeelectronic and circuitry is possible today but keeping sufficientbattery life increases the physical size of device proportionally and(2) other than the battery, the earbud and related components take upmost of the real estate of the headset casing and industrial design.Nonetheless, it is a fact that most women and style conscious consumersdo not like and want to wear today's Bluetooth headsets and wirelesscommunications devices in the market today are appealing to primarily togeeks, gadget-lovers, and/or fitness fanatics.

Further, these smart watches and headsets are all individuallyengineered from scratch. This negatively impacts their cost and limitsexpansion of a full ‘line’ of accessories unless new devices are builtin similar boxy form factors.

What may be needed are ways to hide the earbud or listening device so awireless headset can seamlessly integrate with fashion accessories andjewelry. Furthermore, devices for wireless terminals may need to beintegrated and incorporated in jewelry and fashion accessory design, soconsumer's daily digital communication needs is infused with suchdevices and part of their fashion.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The embodiments described herein may relate to an easilyinterchangeable, versatile platform to enable the design andincorporation of digital communication functionality in fashionaccessories & jewelry, without the need to reinvent the wheel with eachnew design or develop extensive in-house technical know-how by fashionaccessory and jewelry designers. For example, embodiments of the presentapplication may include an interchangeable, versatile electronicspackage or platform compatible with the design and incorporation ofwireless digital communication functionality in a wide variety offashion accessories and jewelry. This might allow fashion accessory andjewelry designers to not be required to constantly re-design theirform-factors or possess extensive technical know-how to participate inthe next wave of the wearable mobile communication market.

Additionally, some embodiments may include coupling the device platformwith an add-on accessory to transform the combined units into a fullyfunctional wireless terminal device, where users can access and controlthe interlinked wireless telephone. In some embodiments where otherwireless interface/connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.) is present,a wireless terminal device can be a fully standalone functionalapparatus with the capability of transmitting data to and from the‘cloud’ (web based) services via the wireless network.

Further, embodiments may also include methods, systems, and apparatusesfor incorporating wireless communication into fashion accessories andjewelry allows functional interchangeable wireless headsets and wirelesscommunication devices to be integrated with designer fashioned pendants,necklace earrings, bracelets, rings, key chains & tags, handbagdecoration chains & tags, tie clips, cufflinks, belt, etc.

For example, the an embodiment may provide a retractable earbudmechanism where earbud and related components can be hidden or storedfor aesthetic purpose in addition to provide greater freedom andflexibility for designers to design. Furthermore, multiple mechanismsfor retracting earbud are described to accommodate and incorporate withan endless combination of design, form factors, and sizes of fashionpendants, earrings, bracelets, and many other fashion accessories andjewelry.

Another embodiment may provide a battery powering/charging system.Additional rechargeable battery or batteries can be integrated withfashion accessories and jewelry, where it already comprises a built-inrechargeable battery. In one example, additional rechargeable batterycan be housed in the bracelets, bangles, necklaces, necklets, earringelements, key chain and bag decoration charm tags, belt, tie, etc. Toachieve a robust and seamless battery charging system, a commonremovable connector(s) is provided in the present application.

In another example, users can wear a fashion pendant with wirelessheadset integrated, by plugging it to the connector that is removablyattached to the necklace with built-in rechargeable battery. In turn,wireless headset will automatically be charged from the necklace'srechargeable battery. Pendant headset can easily and quickly detach fromconnector for use. Additional batteries can also be integrated with oneor more pendants separately, but can be connected for charging throughsimilar connectors. Similarly, batteries can be distributed in one ormultiple elements of necklace, earrings, keychain tags, etc.

In some embodiments, necklaces with the built-in rechargeable batterycan integrate with one or two wired headsets that can be used for voicecommunication or access to audio content on mobile phone/devices whencoupled to pendant wireless headset through connector.

Bracelets, rings, earrings, keychain tags, and bag decoration charm tagscan house rechargeable battery or batteries with integrated wirelessheadset. Battery or batteries for earrings, finger rings, key chaintags, and bag decoration tags may utilize and/or charge from externalbattery sources that are integrated with the accessory/jewelry, througheither a removably attached connector or hardwired.

In another example, a tie clip with built-in wireless headset can becharged when it is clipped to a fashion tie, with a thin, flexiblerechargeable battery integrated. The same tie clip can be charged whenclipped anywhere on the shirt pocket where a thin, flexible rechargeablebattery is built-in. Cufflinks with integrated wireless headset can becharged when it is coupled on a cuff of the shirt, where a thin,flexible rechargeable battery is incorporated inside the cuff.

Still another example, a removable wireless headset can be designed aspart a belt buckle, and it is charged when docked (attached) from therechargeable battery or batteries that are integrated inside the beltpanel.

Charging may take place when electrical contacts of both the batterysource and wireless headset come in contact, be it through removableconnectors, hardwired, clip, or in combination. It should be understoodmore than one type of electrical contacts and connectors can be: plug &pull, magnetize, threaded structure, slider, ball bearing, etc. aredescribed in the present application.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present application, methods,systems, and apparatuses can also provide wireless devices (such aswireless terminals that communicate with a mobile telephone or othercomputing devices) integrate with fashion accessories and jewelry. Forexample, a removable, portable wireless terminal with display screen canbe integrated with fashion pendants, key chain tags, handbag decorationtags, belt buckle, bracelets, etc. Fashion accessories and jewelry(e.g., bracelets, bag decoration tags, belt buckles, etc.) can bedesigned with additional or larger displays so users can have a largerviewing real estate when they are coupled with a wireless terminal.

It may be understood, wireless terminals can be fully-functionalwireless communication devices with the capability of today'ssmartphones. Furthermore, in addition to fashion accessories and jewelry(e.g., bracelets, pendants, etc.), wireless devices described herein canbe used with companion devices with various display sizes. In oneexample, phone companion and tablet companion consist of a multi-touchdisplay with built-in rechargeable battery, while some embodiments maycomprise storage or just temporary memory (e.g., RAM) and/or removablememory card such as a micro-SD, even though wireless devices have thecapability to be coupled with external storage or other needed add-onexternal peripherals for extra performance and/or functionalities.Companion devices such as desktop monitor and television can alsoinclude storage and/or removable memory card with or without multi-touchand/or motion gesture control capability integrated.

Add-on peripherals can be connected to wireless devices in anyway userdesired.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses of the present application may providea powering/charging system where wireless device prioritizes, setsrules, and sends instructions to and from add-on peripherals (e.g.,companion devices, additional battery, external storage, special camera,etc.) will instruct how. Batteries, external or internal (built-in withcompanion devices and fashion accessories & jewelry) will be chargedaccording to rules and instructions set by wireless devices and/or userpreference. Similarly, wireless headsets and wireless terminals that areintegrated with fashion accessories and jewelry also share the methodsof this power and charging system.

Consumers can maximize their investment by leveraging the ‘same’interchangeable, adaptive wireless headset, wireless terminal, orwireless communication device for different fashion accessories andjewelry. In one example, the ‘same’ interchangeable headset or devicethat is integrated with the pendant can be used on a bracelet or handbagdecoration tag. Because of the versatile of wireless device inaccordance with the present application, the ‘same’ wireless device canalso be integrated and used with companion devices described above inaddition to fashion accessories and jewelry. Hence, methods, systems,and apparatuses of the present application may allow users to seamlesslyand easily transform the ‘same’ wireless headset and wireless deviceinto another device or fashion accessories/jewelry.

Furthermore, with methods, systems, and apparatuses in accordance withthe present application, providing retractable mechanisms of earbud anda battery powering & charging system, advantageously, consumerelectronics makers as well as fashion accessories & jewelry brands caneasily and quickly integrate wireless headset, terminal, andcommunication devices to fashion accessories and jewelry (e.g.,pendants, bracelets, earrings, tie clips, belts, key chain tags, etc.)in this robust platform.

According to an aspect of the present application, a communicationdevice including a wearable accessory having a first power source, and atelecommunications device comprising a transceiver configured to allowwireless communication, wherein the telecommunications device isconfigured to couple and decouple with the wearable accessory, andwherein the telecommunications device is configured receive power fromthe first power source when coupled with the wearable accessory isprovided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates shows a high level block diagram of a wirelessfashion accessory 100 in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a diagram of connection relationships of fashionaccessories, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate front, side and back view, respectively,of a fashion accessory in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of a fashion pendant accessorysystem 200 in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate a variety of connectors in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 3H illustrates an embodiment of an electrical contact on aconnector.

FIG. 3I illustrates an embodiment of an inbuilt-battery necklace.

FIG. 3J illustrates examples of where connector receptacles may behoused in some embodiments.

FIG. 3K illustrates another embodiment 355, of the connector receptacle230.

FIG. 3L illustrates several embodiments of male & female connectors.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates different embodiments of earphones.

FIG. 5A-5D illustrates various retractable earphone systems in across-sectional view in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates a wired earbud-style headphone integrated with afashioned necklace.

FIG. 6B illustrates another embodiment of the wired earbud-styleheadphones.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a digital fashion necklace & pendant systemin accordance with two embodiments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a system used as earrings in accordance withembodiments of the present application.

FIG. 9A-9C illustrates three slightly different embodiments of digitalfashion finger ring system having wireless headsets integrated with thering portion.

FIG. 10A illustrates a fashion bag decoration charm tag system 1000 inaccordance with an embodiment that can be incorporated in a handbag orpurse decoration charms.

FIG. 10B illustrates a keychain system in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrates several different embodiments of devicesaccording to the present application.

FIG. 12A illustrates a system of a digital fashion bracelet inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 12B illustrates an embodiment of a pair of wireless headsetscoupling together and integrated with a device shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 12C illustrates another embodiment of a digital fashion bracelet inaccordance to the present application.

FIG. 12D illustrates an example embodiment similar to FIG. 12A but witha bangle form factor.

FIG. 13A illustrates a fashion tie clip system in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 13B illustrates another embodiment of a fashion tie clip system.

FIG. 13C illustrates a tie clip or similar designed accessories clippedto a shirt pocket with a battery inside the pocket.

FIG. 14 illustrates a fashion cufflink system in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a digital fashion belt system 1500 inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 16A illustrates a high level block diagram of an enhanced wirelessdevice.

FIG. 16B illustrates various views (perspective, front, back, and sideviews) the wireless device of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A illustrates the wireless device of FIGS. 16A and 16B worn by auser.

FIG. 17B illustrates a fashioned digital bracelet with a display screenon its surface, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 17C illustrates the wireless device of FIGS. 16A and 16Bincorporated with the fashioned digital bracelet of FIG. 17B.

FIG. 17D illustrates the wireless device of FIGS. 16A and 16B withadaptive connectors such as those with mechanism shown on FIG. 3K andincorporated with the digital bracelet of FIG. 17B.

FIG. 18A illustrates various ways the unique wireless device of FIGS.16A and 16B can be used with companion devices in accordance with anembodiment.

FIGS. 18B and 18C illustrate electrical signals and currents of thewireless device of FIGS. 16A and 16B and add-on peripherals.

FIG. 19A-C illustrates a charging system in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 20A illustrates various shapes of internal batteries.

FIGS. 20B-20D illustrates different configurations of internal batteriesincorporated into necklace designs.

FIG. 21A illustrates a flow diagram of device and add-on behaviors whenthey are coupled.

FIG. 21B illustrates a flow chart of powering & charging systems.

FIG. 22 illustrates a user interface system in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 101A shows a high level electronics block diagram of a deviceplatform in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 101B illustrates a high level block diagram of an add-on accessory(companion fashion accessory).

FIG. 102 Illustrates various views of the device platform of FIG. 101A.

FIG. 103A illustrates several embodiments of systems incorporating thedevice platform of FIG. 101A.

FIG. 103B illustrates a device platform similar to the device platformof FIG. 101A, which can be employed with smaller fashion accessories.

FIG. 104 illustrates a simplified flow chart of the functional operationof the device platform when coupled with an add-on accessory inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 105A and 105B illustrate link relationships between a wirelessterminal device, a wireless headset, and a wireless telephone.

FIG. 106A-108 illustrates various alternative designs and embodiments ofin a bracelet/bangle form factor

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To assist in the following description, a number of terms used hereinwill be defined.

Add-on accessory: an add-on accessory is a companion fashion accessory,usually with rechargeable battery integrated while some may or may nothave a display. Certain embodiments may include more than one displayand/or wireless ear set. Add-on accessory is an interchangeableterminology with “companion accessory”, “fashion accessory”, and“digital accessory”. It can any form factor, size, design style whereasit can be a pendant, bracelet, bangle, necklet, keychain tag, handbagdecoration tag, etc.

Communication link: a signal or signals sent to and from one apparatusto another. It can be wirelessly or through physical connector ofelectrical contacts.

Connector: A set of electrical contacts for transmitting data, power andother electric signals from Device Platform to Add-on Accessory. Suchtransmission may be from one apparatus to another or from one componentto another, etc.

Device platform: An apparatus that is capable of computing anddisplaying information and graphics, playing video and audio content,etc. to add-on accessory's screen and loud speakers when coupled with anadd-on accessory. It may also comprise an accelerometer and othersensors. Generally, it is consists of similar components and circuitry(e.g., processor, memory, etc.) as today's smartphone, smart watch,terminal device, etc. It may be integrated with open-source OS andsoftware such as Google's Android or proprietary software. “Deviceplatform” can be also referred to as “electronics package” and“electronics platform.”

Electronics package: also may be referred “Electronics platform” or“Device platform”.

Flexible strap: A strap made with silicone, polymer, rubber-like orother materials that provide flexibility characteristics to enable thedevice platform to bend up or down or any direction to form a compatiblecurvature when coupled with the desired add-on accessory. As an example,the strap could be similar to an electronic ‘ribbon cable’ with embeddedconductive pathways or traces can be included in which electrical energycan travel from one module or segment of the electronics package to anyother module mounted on, or connected to, the strap.

Module: a self-contained, possibly oblong or rectangular,multi-functional package of various electronic components includingpower sources and conditioners which are mounted on the above referenced‘Flexible strap’. The individual modules (of which four are shown, as anexample, to illustrate one of their form-factors on the accompanyingFigures) can be mixed and matched depending upon the purpose andfunctionality of the device platform as well as a particular piece ofdesigner jewelry such as a bangle or bracelet which might vary from awireless ear-set or key chain. “Module”, “Segment”, and “Section” areinterchangeable terms and are the same herein.

Smart watch: Generally it is a terminal device that receives data frominterlinked smartphone. Primarily serve as complementary to smartphonesto display information such incoming calls and to control smartphoneapplications. Data such as emails, social network updates, alerts, news,etc. can be pushed from interlinked smart device to smart watch.

Wearable: In the technology and wireless world, wearable is generallyreferred to an apparatus is having advanced circuitry, wirelessconnectivity and independent processing capability and being worn byusers for an extended period of time, with the user experiencesignificantly enhanced as a result.

Wireless ear set: A headset (typically only consisting of one earbud butcould also comprise dual earbuds) that can receive and transmit voiceand/or data wireless to and from a communication device such as a mobiletelephone where users can listen and talk to one another in a groupphone conversation.

Wireless terminal device: An apparatus with similar capabilities of acomputer or “dumb” terminal where data can be transmitted to and from itto another computer or device and process or re-direct user or networkcommands to various components of the device. Generally user interfaceis provided for users to interact and control certain applications orfunctionality of the interlinked computer, device, local network, orcarrier network.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-22, embodiments of the present applicationmay be described. Examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.While the application will be described in conjunction with preferredembodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit theapplication to only the described embodiments or visual representations.To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications,and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of theapplication.

FIG. 1A shows a high level block diagram of a wireless fashion accessory100 in accordance with an embodiment where it transmits data to and frommobile phone 150 or other computing devices with wireless communicationinterfaces 124. For a fashion accessory without a display screen (orsufficient real estate screen space for displaying 10-20 characters, upto a maximum of 1 or 2 short sentences, such as caller ID, phone number,calendar alert, email subject line, song title, etc.) will generally bereferred to “wireless headsets” hereafter. If a fashion accessorycomprises a larger display (e.g., at least 1″×1″ or 1″×3″) sufficient toshow minimal graphics and/or content, it will generally be referred toas “wireless terminal device”. “Wireless headset” and “Wireless terminaldevice” may be used interchangeable—in such a case, it will generally bereferred to as “device” or “fashion accessory.”

Unlike any existing Bluetooth devices in the market, the wireless device100 described in accordance with the present application may include apush-to-talk button 110 or a touch sensor 116 to empower users toactivate the speech command functionality through the built-in speechprocessor 112. Touch sensor (single point or multi touch) 116 allowsusers to control the headset without a traditional button. Furthermore,wireless headset 100 in accordance with an embodiment may include anaccelerometer 118, and proximity or other sensors 116 in addition to avibration motor 120 and display screen 122, in addition to all therequired electronic components for a functional Bluetooth headsets,known in prior arts. Display 122 may be a touch or non-touch LCD, OLED,or flexible e-paper in some embodiments, while other embodiments maycomprises a combination of these display technologies (e.g., part OLEDand part e-paper) in accordance with the present application.

In addition to Bluetooth, fashion accessory may also consist of otherwireless interfaces 124 such as Near Field Communication (NFC) and WideArea Local Network IEEE 802.11 standards (e.g., Wi-Fi).

In some embodiments, fashion accessory 100 may be transmitting andreceiving data 152, to and from other fashioned digital accessories 100such as bracelets, key chain tags, belt buckles, etc. which will beexemplified on the next figure diagram.

FIG. 1B shows a diagram of connection relationships of fashionaccessories 100 in accordance with the present application. Any wirelesstelephone or wireless computing device 150, so long it comprises thesame wireless standards (e.g., Bluetooth) as the wireless fashionaccessories 162, 164, 166, 168, 170 is compatible with the wirelessfashion accessories.

As shown on this diagram, in accordance with the present application,mobile phone 150 can transmit to and from accessory with headset 162such as a fashion pendants, bracelets, or earrings, to name a few, withbuilt-in retractable earphones. Concurrently, while this accessory 162is in operation (via connections a & b) with mobile phone 150, thisaccessory 162 can also communicate with another accessory withoutheadsets 164 or just the headset 166 via connections a & b.

Communications between accessories can be direct or through mobile phone150 as a hub. For example, mobile phone may be used to communicate withaccessory without headset 164 (e.g., bangle or keychain tag, etc.), inturn, this specific accessory 164 may be used to communicate with anaccessory with headset 162 (e.g., earrings or pendant with headsetbuilt-in, etc.) where first accessory 164 serves an informationaldisplay while second accessory 162 may function as a listening device.

In another configuration, while mobile phone 150 is in operation withfashion accessory without headset 164 such as a pendant, bag decorationtag, or bracelet, simultaneously mobile phone 150, during the sameoperation, can also communicates with headsets that are built-in tofashion earrings 162 or a third party Bluetooth headset 166. Similarly,while mobile phone 150 is communicating with accessory with display butwithout headset 168 or accessory with display and headset 170, headset166 can also be used in conjunction—communicating directly with mobilephone 150 or directly with connected accessory.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show front, side and back view, respectively, ofthe fashion accessory 202 in accordance with an embodiment, show therespective views of the connector 204. In this particular embodiment,the fashion accessory 202 is a wireless headset 100 (e.g., Bluetoothheadset) with retractable earphone 220. In addition to the necessarycomponents of today's functional Bluetooth headset, this embodiment isalso equipped with a voice recognition chipset, and a touch sensor withthe appropriate firmware. Electrical connector 204 is used to hang thependant-like fashion accessory 202 to battery-integrated necklace 240.

FIG. 2A illustrates the front view of the device 202, without a displayin this specific embodiment, whereas connector 204 is detached to device202.

FIG. 2B shows a side view of the device 202. In one embodiment,connector 204 comprises a concave cavity 212 with one or more electricalcontacts 214 along the concave wall 216 and an attached shaft 206. Atthe end of the shaft 206 contains reciprocal electric contacts 208 tothe contacts 214 for connections to and from the contacts of theconnector receptacle 230 housed inside the device 202. Part of thedevice 202, a retractable earphone 220 consists of a gel-like earbud222, a neck 224, and wheel 226. A spring is integrated in the wheel 226as a flip mechanism. Thus the earphone 220 can spring out from thedevice 202 with a press of the release button 228. A sensor can be builtin the connector receptacle housing 230 or the earphone flip mechanismfor auto answering an incoming phone call when the male connector 204 isdisconnected from the connector receptacle 230, or when the releasebutton 228 is triggered prior to answering an incoming phone call.

Similarly, the user can disconnect an active phone call by pushing theearphone 220 back into the storage cavity 232 built-in the device 202which shown on FIG. 2C. To end a call, user can also simply plug thedevice 202 back to the connector 204 where male contacts 208 andcontacts in connector receptacle 230 are mated.

In addition to the pendant-like device 202, it should be understood thatthis answering and disconnecting call operation also can be employed toall jewelry and fashion accessories described hereafter.

FIG. 2C shows the back view of the device 202, in accordance with thepresent application. In one embodiment, an ON/OFF switch 234 forenabling or disabling the battery recharging from necklace's batterysource 240 to device 202. An optional device release latch 236 is alsoincluded for securing the device 202 to the connector 204.

Device 202 allows a user to communicate with other users through amobile telephone device 150 or Voice-over-IP enabled device, without theneed to speak directly into or hear sound directly from mobile phone 150or any other wireless communication device.

FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of the fashion pendant accessory system200 in accordance with an embodiment. The system 200 includes a wirelesspendant-like device 202 and electrical connectors 204 which can beelectrically coupled to the battery-integrated necklace 240, fortransmitting electric currents, data, or both to the device 202 forpowering and/or sending data to device 202, and/or recharging internalbattery of the device 202 by connecting male connector 204 to connectorreceptacle 230 of the device 202. Connector 204 consists of a shaft 206which include one or more contact points 208 to transmit power, data, orboth.

In this particular embodiment, the device 202 includes a display screen212, which can display information and content transmitted 152 to andfrom the mobile phone 150 or other computing devices with wirelesscommunications (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). The screen 212 can be atouch e-paper (e.g., e-ink), OLED display, or other display technologyor combination (e.g., part e-paper, part OLED).

Users may have an option to conveniently use the loud speaker phone 238in lieu of the integrated retractable earphone 220 for listen to audioor phone conversation with the ability to talk directly into itsbuilt-in microphone 242 without having to decouple the device 202 fromthe connector 204 that is attached to the necklace 240, while it's wornon user's neck.

Hereafter, “device” 202 may refer to all embodiments regardless of formfactor, finishes, color, and built materials—and with or without adisplay. For instance, device 202 can be shaped like a hexagon,circular, or silhouette of Mickey Mouse® or Hello Kitty®. Device 202 canbe a wireless headset 100 (e.g., Bluetooth hands-free earphone) or awireless terminal device 100 or any form of fashion jewelry &accessories where data can be transmitted 152 to and from a mobiletelephone 150 or other wireless computing devices with complementarywireless standards (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).

FIG. 3A-3G show a variety of connectors 300 which can be any shape,size, and form factors, design, with different electrical contacts inaccordance with some embodiments while in other embodiments, connectors(male plug and connector receptacle) may be eliminated in lieu ofintegration of wireless connector interfaces. A latch for keepingfashion accessory 100 (e.g., the pendant device 202) and connector 300in a locked position could be integrated to any or all of the connectorsdescribed hereafter in accordance with the present application.

FIG. 3A shows a drawing of a connector 300 with a circular head 302 andthe shaft facing sideway 304 while FIG. 3B illustrates an embodimentcomprised of a triangular head with shaft 304 facing straight withelectrical contacts 308 at the bottom but both of these connector heads304 consist of an opening 306 with electrical contacts integrated to theconcaved wall of the opening slot 306.

FIG. 3C is an embodiment where connector 301 consists of an open-loopedhead 303 rather than close-looped 302 as exhibited on FIG. 3A, but alsocomprises a shaft 304 and contacts 308. Electrical contacts are alsohoused on the concaved wall of the cavity 307. Advantageously, openedconnector head 303 offers flexibility for add-ons if users desire.

For instance, users could string battery-integrated earrings 305 withbuilt-in wireless headset 309 by hooking the opened connector 301 to oneanother; therefore this allows more battery source should users desireit. This configuration may also benefit fashioned wireless pendants,handbag decoration tags, key chain tags, and the like.

FIGS. 3D and 3E illustrate two different types of shaft 304 withidentical function as they comprise similar electrical contacts forpower, data, or both. Connector shown on FIG. 3D comprises a 3.5 mm jacklike shaft where electrical contacts 308 are distributed vertically onthe shaft 304. Connector shown on FIG. 3E consists of the same head 302but shaft 304 resembles a bolt with threads as electrical contacts 308.

FIG. 3F reveals different embodiment connector 310, in which consists ofa slightly different form of shaft 306 and base 312 a with correspondingcontact points in the cavity 306. This connector 310 incorporates aslider mechanism for coupling the connector 310 with the device 202,where ball bearing or other contact points are employed on the bottom ofthe base 312 a and reciprocal part 312 b of the device 202.

FIG. 3G shows another example of a connector 324 employing differentshaft body 320 and contacts 322. On cross-section of one embodiment 326,contains a ball bearing for contacts 322 on each of the four sides ofthe shaft 320 while another embodiment 328, also on cross-section,illustrates a single ball bearing 330 that serves as contacts on allfour sides of the shaft 320.

FIG. 3H is an example of electrical contact 214 on the concave wall 216of the connectors 300. This particular type of contact 340 comprises anorifice 346 where a thin metal-like 342 strip with a wire 344 connectedto the corresponding contact in the shaft 304. The side view 348 of themetal-like strip reveals the elasticity characteristic of the strip 342for pushing against the electrical contacts of the inbuilt-batterynecklace 240 while giving the connector 300 an ability to efficientlyglide on the necklace 240. When all metal strips 342 in the concavedcavity of the connector head 302 in contact with the correspondingcontacts on the necklace with inbuilt-battery 240, electrical currentsand/or data signals will be transmitted.

FIG. 3I is another embodiment of the inbuilt-battery necklace, whereopened connector 301 (shown on FIG. 3C) can easily be hooked for batterysource when contacts 354 on connector 301 coupled with correspondingcontacts 352 on the necklace 350. Such connector 301 can be easilyremoved from or rejoined the necklace 350, earrings, bag decorationchain, etc. This opened connector 301 may allow for interchangeable andreuse of the connectors in accordance with embodiments for fashionearrings, pendants, bag decoration tags, or key chain tags, etc.

FIG. 3J shows front view of examples of where connector receptacle 230can be housed in the device 100, and it's not restricted to only the topof the device 100 as shown on FIG. 2A-D. Connector receptacles 230 canbe integrated in more than one location and in any location of thedevice 100 as illustrated here.

FIG. 3K exemplifies another embodiment 355, of the connector receptacle230. The connector receptacle 230 is integrated with a rotatablecircular housing 356 which provides the connector receptacle 230 withthe flexibility to rotate within 90 degrees. In some embodiments, theconnector receptacle 230 can rotate up to 180 or 360 degree depending onthe form factor and profile of device 100. This embodiment isadvantageous when other add-on devices are better suited or needed forcoupling on the sides rather than top or vice versa. Unlike therestriction of housing the connector receptacle 230 on the top ofdevices 202 shown on FIG. 2A-D, integrating such unique design 355 onthe four corners as shown on 358 provides the flexibility for couplinganother add-on device on any side, especially when add-on devicecomprises two male connectors for better stability.

To avoid electrical contact or signal complications, only contacts ofone connector receptacle will be active while the other connectorreceptacle will temporarily disabled should device 100 detects bothconnectors are from the same add-on device unless contacts providesdifferent signals or different use cases.

FIG. 3L illustrates few embodiments of male & female connectors. Similarto the slider connector shown on FIG. 3F, it integrates with one or moresides of the device 100 and connectors 312 a,313 b. The device orconnector can provide one female 360 while the other side provides onemale 362 (as shown on 364), or both sides provide females 360, or bothmales 362 as illustrated on 366 and 368, respectively. This isadvantageous for device 100 to couple with more than one connector,therefore more add-on devices or battery packs are possible with thisembodiment in accordance with the present application. In someembodiments, such connectors 360, 362 can be incorporated to one or moresides, not restricted to a mandatory or maximum of two sides.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate different embodiments of earphone 400. Shown in aperspective view, the earphones 400 on FIGS. 4A and 4B are very similar,both consisting of an earbud 402 and neck 404 connecting to the base 406a, 406 b where FIG. 4A shows a wheel 406 a while the base for anotherembodiment in FIG. 4B is a spherule 406 b. Both bases 406 a, 406 benable earbud 402 to be retraction with their rotating nature. Theseretractable earphones are integrated with devices 100 in accordance withembodiments of the present application.

FIG. 4C provides a side view of an earphone 400 similar to that shown inFIG. 4A, yet with a different form factor of the neck 450, with an eartip 452 for easier use and comfort with an angled or curved form factorin some embodiments. Lengths of the neck 450 may vary while it curves.

To use the wireless headsets 100, the earphone 400 will be sprung out454 when the release button 456 is pressed. The release button 456 maybe an integral part of the flip mechanism similar to many of today'sautomobile remote controller with flip key mechanism built-in. Earphone400 can be restored 458 back inside the device 100 simply pushing ittoward the device 100.

FIG. 4D illustrates another embodiment of wireless headsets 100 wherethe entire headset 420 can be detached by twisting the base 428counter-clockwise. This unique headset design 420 comprises the samecomponents of wireless headset described on diagram 100 in FIG. 1A. Whenheadset 420 is not in use, a user can conveniently store it away byplacing it back at the end of the inbuilt-battery circular pendant 430,then twisting the headset 420 clockwise to fasten. While headset 420 isfastened with the battery-integrated pendant 430, internal battery ofthe headset 420 can be charged through its electrical contacts 426 a and426 b coupled, providing headset's battery source is less than 100%full. Similarly, integrated battery of pendant 430 is also charging whenit's connected to connector 432 which in turn is connected to thebattery-integrated necklace 434 only when both conditions applies: (1)battery source of inbuilt-battery on pendant 430 is less than 100% and(2) inbuilt-battery of necklace is greater than 0%. Otherwise, nocharging activity occurs between batteries of pendant 430 and necklace434. If battery level of pendant 430 is 0% or near zero while headset420 is coupled with device 430 which coupled to the battery-integratednecklace 434, headset 420 will be charged via battery source of necklace434.

FIG. 5A-5D details various retractable earphone systems in across-sectional view in accordance with embodiment of the presentapplication.

FIG. 5A shows a retracted earphone 502 housed in the wireless headsets500 which can be integrated to a fashion pendant, earrings, cufflink,and any other wearable fashion accessory. Earphone 502 contains thespeaker portion with transducer 504 and neck 506 where parts or allelectronic circuitry and internal rechargeable battery are housed. Insome embodiments, the speaker portion with transducer 504 and/or partsor all electronic circuitry, microphone, and internal rechargeablebattery are housed in other sections 514 of the wireless headsets 500.The cylindrical neck 506 contains an elastic tap 508 that latches to thelower slot 520 to keep the spring compressed 512 a and earphone 502remains retracted.

To use the earphone, a user simply presses the release button 510 toallow earphone 502 to spring out from the wireless headsets 500. Thenearphone is pulled slightly outwards and twisted clockwise to fastenearphone 502, where the threads 526 that are convexly integrated aroundthe bottom of the cylindrical neck 506 are interlocked with the outerthreads 524 of the concaved wall that uniformly houses the cylindricalneck 504 so earphone 502 is in stable and locked position as shown onthe next Figure. The speaker portion 504, includes a faceplate 503 witha pattern of apertures for allowing sound to pass through fromtransducer to the user's ear, placed into eardrum—users can use wirelessheadsets 500 for voice communication (hearing and speaking) withconnection to mobile telephone 150 or simply enjoy audio content that istransmitting 152 directly from mobile phone 150 to wireless headsets 500be they a fashion pendant or earrings.

FIG. 5B illustrates an earphone 502 is ejected and in a locked positionwhere spring is reinstated 512 b. To retract and restore earphone 502back inside the wireless headset 500, user must twist earphone 502counterclockwise to unlock threads 526 that are interlocked with thethreads 524 of the housing of the earphone 502, then push earphone 502in until a ‘click’ sound, whereas the elastic tap 508 is moved fromupper slot 522 to lower slot 520 where earphone 502 is now in a lockedand retracted state. When earphone 502 is ejected, a large circularorifice that houses the earphone 502 is visible and, with the neckextension, it creates sufficient space for earphone 502 to comfortablyfit in one's ear canal with the outer wall of the wireless headsets 500being in the way.

FIGS. 5C and 5D represent slightly different embodiments.

FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment with speaker portion 504 that includesa faceplate 503 with a pattern of apertures for allowing sound to passthrough from transducer to the user's ear. Faceplate 503 is used todirect sound from transducer toward the user's eardrum, regardless ofwhether earphone is in user's right ear or left ear. Speaker portion 504is operably coupled to the neck 506 of earphone 502 where neck portion506 can be cylindrical, squared, or in another shape. This embodimentdoes not have threads 526 on the earphone neck like the example shown onFIGS. 5A and 5B, but instead the neck 506 consists of a first elastictap 508 and a second elastic tap 509. The matching lower slot 620 is forlocking first tap 508 so earphone 502 can be retracted and in a lockedposition while storing earphone 502 on a large circular cavity 516inside the wireless headsets 500. When lower release button 510 ispressed, the compressed spring 512 a causes the earphone 502 to beejected.

FIG. 5D shows the earphone 502 in an ejected state with first elastictap 608 is stopped by upper left slot 522 so earphone 502 is not ejectedmuch further, which may cause earphone 502 to be departed from housing514 of wireless headsets 500 while second elastic tap 509 secures theneck 506 via upper right slot 523. Earphone 500 is ready for use whenit's ejected. To retract the earphone 502, user simply presses the upperrelease button 511, while simultaneously pushing the earphone 502 in(downwards) until the second elastic tap 509 is latched with lower rightslot 521 in time, when the “clicking” sound is present.

A sensor or mechanism may be employed on this embodiment where anincoming phone call is automatically answered when lower release button510 is pressed or spring is fully reinstated 512 b, and an active phonecall automatically disconnected if upper release button 511 is pressedor spring is fully compressed 512 a as part of the detection mechanism.

Reduced profile form factor of wireless headsets 500 shown on FIG. 5A-5Dmay allow integration with jewelry and fashion accessories, where theability to hide the earphone 502 or wireless headset 500 entirely isbeneficial.

It should be understood that the embodiments described here inaccordance with the present application are not limited to a specificand any appropriate designs of earphone and engineering of retractablemechanism. Examples shown on FIGS. 5A-5D can be integrated in a round,square or any shaped housing with various thickness, length, and width.

FIG. 6A illustrates a wired earbud-style headphone 600 that isintegrated with a fashioned necklace, where necklace 602 comprises abuilt-in battery and electrical contacts for transmitting power, data,or both when it is connected to the device 202, 100 through theconnector 604. In one embodiment, the wired headphones 600 contains oneearphone 606 with microphone 607 integrated and, on the other end, itprovides a round ring 608 with non-locking gate mechanism 610. In someembodiments, ring 608 may be integrated without non-locking gatemechanism 610. When fashioned headset necklace 600 is hanging on user'sneck, it is slightly pulled by the pendant-like device 202, the earphone606 and ring 608 pull again each other to create an interlocking resultof the necklace 600 due to the uniquely tailor-made concave-shaped neck611 of the earphone 606 as shown on drawing 612.

When connector 604 from the wired headset necklace 600 is attached tothe fashion pendant-like device 202, the microphone and speaker that areintegrated with the device 100 will be disabled while otherfunctionalities of the device 100 are still operable and device 100still communicates 152 with the mobile telephone 150 or other computingdevices with wireless communications such as Bluetooth.

An example of this embodiment is more apparent with the drawing 614,showing the wired headset 600 is worn by a user with earphone pluggedinto her right ear and the fashion pendant device 202 attached to thebattery-integrated necklace 602 or lanyard via connector 604.

FIG. 6B shows another embodiment of the wired earbud-style headphones,where both left earphone 620 a and right earphone 620 b have identicalform factors with identical concave-shaped necks 622 a, 622 b except onehas a microphone 607 integrated to the earphone 620 a while the otherearphone 630 b does not. Drawing 618 shows the two earphones 620 a, 620b of the wired headphones 616, fastened to each other like Ying & Yangto form a closed loop, inter-locking necklace.

FIGS. 7A and 7B exemplify the digital fashion necklace & pendant system700 in accordance with two embodiments of the present application. Shownon FIG. 7A, the first embodiment illustrates the device 710 and twoadditional pendant-like rechargeable batteries 712 that are not attachedto the necklet 714. Fashioned necklace or necklet 714 provides built-ininternal rechargeable battery and at least one connector 716 forconnecting device 710 to necklace, for wearing in concurrent torecharging the device 710 when coupled. In this embodiment, thefashioned necklet 714 comprises three connectors which one is for thedevice 710 and the other two connectors 716 are for pendants withinternal rechargeable battery integrated 712.

FIG. 7B reveals similar system 700 with rounded pendant-like device 720and rounded battery pack 722 that are connected by chains 726. The otherdecorative elements 724 may contain built-in internal rechargeablebattery for powering and/or recharging the device 720. In someembodiments, device 720 may incorporate retractable earphone mechanismsuch as the ones shown on FIGS. 5A-5D especially for embodiments thatprovide thinner profiles of device 720.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the system 800 used as earrings in accordancewith embodiments of the present application which consist of theearphone 810 with integrated rechargeable battery, and the additionalbattery 812 connected by a chain 814, where electric current can betransmitted to earphone 810 of the earring system 800. While it'shardwired, chain 814 provides the flexible characteristic so earphone810 can be moved and/or rotated for earbud to be placed in user's earcanal easily and conveniently when wireless headsets 100 is in use. Inanother embodiment, earphone 810 is attached to chain 814 through athin, retractable wire where a battery source can be drawn from internalrechargeable housed on earring element 812 or other ornament elements.This retractable wire allows users to pull and place earphone 810 in theear canal easily and comfortably to use the wireless headset 100. TheEarphone may employ a push-to-retract or pull twice to retractmechanism.

Electronic components and circuitry can be housed with the earphone 810or battery pack 812 or in both enclosures 810, 812. In anotherembodiment, a battery may not be integrated with earphone 810, andtherefore power must be drawn from battery pack 812 through chain 814.As shown on FIG. 8B, in certain earrings design, a smaller versionconnector 816 like the device connector 300 shown on FIG. 3A-G may beemployed for allowing users to add or remove earring elements if desiredwhile serving as contacts for passing electrical currents and/ortransmit electrical/digital signals for voice calls.

It should be understood that the pendants, earrings, necklace, and anyjewelry and fashion accessories that are integrated with wirelessheadsets 100 or wireless terminal devices 100 in accordance with thepresent application, can be decorated and created with built-materialssuch as silver, gold, germs, etc. or in combination with plastics or thelike and can be in any design and form factor—not limited to theexamples shown here.

FIG. 9A-9C show three slightly different embodiments of digital fashionfinger ring system 900 having wireless headsets 902 integrated with thering portion 914.

FIG. 9A shows one embodiment, where the entire wireless headset 902 ishoused in a single ornament element with faceplate 904 covers thespeaker portion 906 where transducer is located along with otherelectronic components and rechargeable battery integrated in the lowerportion 908 of the earset and neck 910.

The system 900 contains a wireless headset 902 which can be fastened tothe ring portion 914 by twisting the headset 902 clockwise. Electricalcurrent are transmitted from the ring portion 914 to charge the internalbattery housed in wireless headset 902 through contacts 912 a, 912 b.Headset 902 can be quickly and easily removed by twistingcounter-clockwise direction when there's an incoming phone call orwhenever user need want to use the wireless headset 902. The ringportion 914 of the system 900 also include a port for recharging theinternal battery that is integrated with the ring portion 914,simultaneously it also recharges the built-in battery of the headsetportion 902 when it is coupled with the ring portion 914 when thecharging adapter (not shown) is plugged into the ring portion 914 andpower outlet (not shown).

In another embodiment, the charging port is not built into the ring 914but instead the system 900 includes a charging adapter that comprises amale connector and connector receptacle that is comparable to 912 a and912 b where 912 b can be fastened to the male connector for charging and912 a can be fastened to the connector receptacle for charging. Yet, inanother embodiment, wireless charging may be employed.

FIG. 9B is a drawing depicting another embodiment of the ring system 900in accordance with the present application, where wireless headset 920can be easily and quickly slide out from the ring portion 922 for useand may further include a release button and latch to secure the headset920 while it's on the ring portion 922. The electrical contacts on boththe headset 920 and ring 922 which not shown here are requiredmechanisms for transmitting electrical signals. Similar to theembodiment illustrated on FIG. 9A, the ring may comprise a chargingport, and a charging adapter is required for charging the batteriesintegrated with the ring 922 and headset 920.

An internal rechargeable battery is integrated in both the wirelessheadset 920 and ring 922. When wireless headset 920 is not in use, auser can easily slide the headset 920 back to the ring portion 922 forcharging. Wireless headset 920 houses all required electronic componentsthat shown FIG. 1A (with or without a display while some advancedcomponents such as certain sensors may be omitted in some embodiments),along with an integrated retractable earphone similar to the embodimentsshown on FIG. 5 facing at the bottom of the headset 920.

FIG. 9C illustrate another embodiment of the digital fashion ring system900 in accordance with the present application. It also comprises twoparts: the wireless headset 930 and ring portion which further consistsof the cap 932 and the ring portion 934. Headset 930 can be easilydetached for use by twisting it counter-clockwise then pull up to accessthe gel-like earbud 940. When the headset 930 is detached, the cavity938 in the cap 932 is visible where it is used for housing the earbud940. The threads 936 b around the cap 932 compliment with the threads936 a (not shown) inside the headset 930 which allows the headset 930 tointerlock with the cap 932. In one embodiment, electronic circuitry thatmakes up the device 100 with internal rechargeable battery can be housedwithin the headset 930, while another rechargeable battery can beintegrated with the cap 932 or ring 934 or both. In some embodiments,this headset 930 may comprises a small display screen on a flat orcurved surface.

FIG. 10A shows the fashion bag decoration charm tag system 1000 inaccordance with an embodiment where it can be incorporated in handbag orpurse decoration charms. In one embodiment, the device 1010 is connectedto an optional battery bar 1012 through connectors 1014 a, 1014 b thatare joined by wired chain or lanyard that straps on the handbag 1016,where electric currents passes from connector 1014 b of battery bar 1012to the connector 1014 a of device 1010 in turn charges the internalbattery of the device 1010 and/or power the device 1010. A user may usethe device 1010 by simply pull it off the connector 1014 b and plugdevice 1010 back to connector 1014 b, for recharging or hanging whenit's not actively in use.

In some embodiments, additional battery 1012 for powering or chargingdevice 1010 can be integrated inside the handbags 1002 or purses.Advantageously, this integration has the option to offer user withhigher volume battery source as well as hiding the physical battery,will provide the flexibility for aesthetical and design purpose.

FIG. 10B exemplifies a keychain system 1020 in accordance with anembodiment. The same device 1010 and optional battery pack 1012 can beused in a keychain 1020 scheme. When device 1010 is attached toconnector 1014 a in conjunction of additional battery pack 1012 which isalso attached to second connector 1014 b, electric currents thereforetransmits form optional battery pack 1012 to device 1010 via key ring1018. Users may use a bigger battery pack or more than one battery packas long as connectors are present. In some embodiments, Key rings andkey chains provide with more than two connectors and device 1010 may beincorporated in various keychain charms, key fobs, etc. where formfactors, ornaments, design, size, finishes, etc. may vary—and should notbe restricted to only the illustrations presented here.

FIG. 11A-11C exemplify several different embodiments in accordance withthe present application.

FIG. 11A shows the wireless headsets 1110 b is integrated with thedevice 1110 a as part of the system 1100 in accordance with the presentapplication where it can be hung and connected on a keychain, handbagdecoration chain, necklace or any other fashion accessories. To usewireless headset 1110 b, user simply and easily pulls the headset 1110 bout from the device 1110 a. When the headset 1110 b is not in use, usersmay store it away simply by pushing it back to the designated slot moldon the device 1110 a where wireless headset 1010 b can be charged by theinternal rechargeable battery of device 1110 a when device 1110 a andheadset 1110 b are coupled providing electrical contacts on incorporatedon both sides. When headset 1010 b and device 1110 a are attached as oneunit 1100, both headset 1110 b and device 1110 a can be chargedsimultaneously through a power adapter or additional battery pack(s)(not shown here) that are attached via the keychain, bag chain, necklaceor other wired fashion accessories.

FIG. 11B shows another embodiment of the system 1102 in a slidermechanism where the wireless headset 1120 b can be slid out from orslide in to the device 1120 b. In this configuration, the headset 1120 bhouses a retractable ear set 1122 similar to the embodiment shown onFIGS. 2B and 2C. To use wireless headset 1120 b, user can pull headset1120 b downward until it is separated from device 1120 a.

On both systems 1100, 1102, an auto-detect mechanism for auto answeringand auto disconnecting of phone calls can be employed as previouslydescribed in FIGS. 2B and 5C.

FIG. 11C exemplifies another system 1103 in accordance with anembodiment of the present application where the device 1130, wirelessheadset 1132, and additional (optional) battery pack 1134 are separateunits. Battery packs 1134 can be used to charge device 1130 and headset1132 when they all are coupled through respective connectors 1136 a, b,c where electricity passes via the special-made key ring 1138. More thanone battery pack 1134 can be attached and used so long as it isaccommodated with a connector 1136.

To use the device 1130 and/or the headset 1132, a user simply pulls themout from the connectors 1136 a, 1136 b, respectively. When finishedusing device 1130 and/or headset 1132, user simply plug them back to theinterchangeable connectors 1136 a, b, c for storing and recharging.

A User has an option to use the device 1110 a, 1120 a, 1130 forinformation viewing while simultaneously talking on the phone via thecomplementary headset 1110 b, 1120 b, 1132 OR the fashion pendantheadset or earring-integrated headsets shown on FIGS. 7 and 8. Wirelessheadsets 1110 b, 1120 b, 1132 may communicate directly with theirrespective device 1110 a, 1120 a, 1130 which in turn transmits 152 datato and from mobile phone 150. Headsets 1110 b, 1120 b, 1132 also couldcommunicate 152 directly with mobile phone 150 that is concurrentlycommunicating with device 1110 a, 1120 a, 1130 as shown on FIG. 1B.

FIG. 12A illustrates a system of digital fashion bracelet 1200 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present application, where awireless headset 1212 is integrated with the digital bracelet device1210 which in turn transmits 152 data to and from the mobile telephone150 or other computing devices wirelessly. While headset 1212 consists afemale receptacle connector, bracelet device 1210 has a male connectorbuilt-in with an orifice for storing the headset's earbud and its neckthat are part of the wireless headset 1212.

To use the headset 1212, user can quickly and easily pull it out awayfrom the bracelet 1210. If this action is taking place during anincoming call waiting to be answered, by pulling the headset 1212 offthe bracelet 1210, the incoming call is automatically picked up. When auser is finished with the phone call, the user can plug headset 1212back to the bracelet 1210 to disconnect or end the call.

When headset 1212 is plugged in the bracelet 1210, headset's internalrechargeable battery is automatically recharged from the internalbattery of the bracelet 1210, providing the electrical contacts of boththe bracelet 1210 and headset 1212 are coupled.

In some embodiments, the device 100 is integrated with the fashionbracelet 1210 where it provides a touch display 1214 that covers partsof or the entire bracelet's convex surface for a user to interact withfor content or functionality access. A segment of the display 1214 maybe a flexible OLED while other segment(s) can be e-paper or the entirebracelet could be flexible OLED or e-paper or other displaytechnologies.

In certain embodiments, the digital bracelet device 1210 has one ear set1212 or a pair of ear sets 1220 a, 1220 b integrated with the bracelet1210 as shown on the next Figure.

FIG. 12B shows one embodiment of pair of wireless headsets 1220 a, 1220b coupling together as they're integrated with devices 100. In additionto fashion bracelet, this arrangement certainly can apply to the digitalpendant, keychain tag, and handbag tag as well.

FIG. 12C exemplifies another embodiment of the digital fashion bracelet1210 in accordance with the present application, where it comprises adisplay 1214 and all the components described in FIG. 1A but without anintegrated headset 1212. Therefore this particular embodiment allows forviewing and accessing content via 152 the mobile phone 150. It mayinclude a microphone and loud speaker phone as described in mentioneddiagram 100 while connecting bracelet 1210 or mobile phone 150 withanother fashion accessory such as pendant-like headset (like the oneshown on FIG. 7), earring headsets (like the one shown on FIG. 8), orthird party Bluetooth headset for accessing audio content and/orperforming verbal telephone communication.

FIG. 12D shows a similar example of 12A but in bangle form factor—andmay or may not have a built-in wireless headset—yet the display could bewrapped a full circumference of the bangle or only portion of it. Thedisplay can be OLED, e-paper, or other display technologies or in acombination and bangle can be closed loop or opened loop.

The mentioned embodiments are in accordance with the present applicationtherefore it should be understood that these examples are not limited toonly ladies jewelry and fashion accessories. The present application canalso benefit men ladies jewelry and fashion accessories as shown on FIG.13-15.

FIG. 13A illustrates fashion tie clip system 1300 in accordance with anembodiment of the present application. Retractable headset 1312 isintegrated with the digital tie clip device 1310 which consists allcomponents of a typical wireless headset (as shown on FIG. 1A) inaddition to the clip itself 1314 where it functions as electricalcontacts for the device.

When clipping the tie clip 1310 to the fashion tie 1316 that comprises aremovable battery integrated 1318. Battery 1318 is thin, flexible, andrechargeable which can be inserted inside the tie with partial or nobattery visible even viewing from the back of the tie 1316. In oneembodiment, integrated battery provides four contacts 1320 a, b, c, d tocorrespond with the electrical contacts 1322 a, b, c, d of the tie 1316.When these contacts are in contact, recharging from tie's integratedbattery 1318 to the internal rechargeable battery housed inside tie clip1310 to power the fashioned tie clip headset 1310 for communication.

In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 1320, 1322 could be more orless than four and could be used to transmit data in addition to powersource on the tie clip system 1300. Electrical contacts on the tie'sintegrated battery are not restricted to four small apertures shown on1322 a, b, c, d, they can be slits that run parallels on the edge of thetie on one or both side as shown on FIG. 13B.

FIG. 13B illustrates another embodiment of a fashion tie 1316 thatprovides four slits to complement the four electrical contacts of thebattery 1318 and the corresponding contacts (four separates contacts insingle line) on the tie clip 1310. Advantageously, having longer slitsof electrical contracts gives users a greater area to attach the tieclip 1310 onto the fashion tie 1316 and still have electrical contacts,without having to clip the exact place with precision and it can beclipped on either left of right side of the tie 1316 deem to user'spreference.

FIG. 13C illustrates the same tie clip 1310 or similar designedaccessories can be clipped to a shirt pocket 1330 where it provides abuilt-in removable battery inside the pocket similar to tie'sintegrated-battery 1318. This thin, flexible rechargeable battery alsoprovides the equivalent contacts (in terms of number of contacts andpositioning) that run from left to right on the top of the end of theshirt pocket. In similar embodiments, wireless headsets can be designedin similar ways where they can be easily & quickly clipped inside apurse or other type of storage or bags for charging when additionalpower supply is needed.

FIG. 14 exemplifies a fashion cufflink system 1400 in accordance withone embodiment of the present application. Like the battery used for thefashion tie shown on FIG. 13A, the shirt cuff 1402 provides a thin,flexible and yet rechargeable and removable battery 1406 that wrapsperfectly around the cuff 1402 from the inside, with two or moreelectrical contacts 1424 b near or through the buttonholes 1404 wherebattery 1406 is not visible.

In one embodiment, a fashioned digital cufflink headset consists of twoparts 1420 a, 1420 b to form a capsule-like cufflink. First part 1420 aof the cufflink contains the electrical contacts 1424 a for transmittingpower, data, or both when in contact with shirt cuff's battery contacts1424 b around the buttonholes. First part 1420 a may houses allelectronic components and circuitry for a functional wireless headset100 along with an optional small display screen on the outer surface1428 to display minimal information such as caller ID, time, alarm &calendar alerts, etc. It also consists of a male plug 1426 a withcorresponding electrical contacts to charge second part 1420 b of thecufflink when it's plugged into the connector receptacle 1426 b. Secondpart 1420 b houses the speaker portion of the cufflink headset 1420 bwith faceplate 1430 facing outward for transmitting sound to user's earcanal when placed in user's ear, when coupled with the first part 1420a.

In another embodiment, all required components and circuitry for afunctional wireless headset 100 are housed in the second part 1420 b ofthe cufflink, therefore it is not necessary for both parts 1420 a and1420 b to couple in order for a functional wireless headset.

It should be understood that form factors, design, surface materials &finishes (gems, gold, etc.), color, and ornaments of the cufflinkheadset can varies for different embodiments, but all must house thecomponents and circuitry of a functional wireless headset 100 with orwithout a small display screen and internal rechargeable battery onfirst part 1420 a, second part 1420 b, or distributed on both parts 1420a, 1420 b. It should contain at least one electrical contact 1424 a, letit be through the cufflink's shank, chain, bar or other means, therebyto transmitted electric currents from the corresponding contact(s) 1424b of wearable battery 1406 that is integrated on the cuffs of the shirt.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a digital fashion belt system 1500 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 15A illustrates an embodiment that consists of a removable wirelessheadset 1510 with retractable earbud 1516 and belt buckle 1520 whereconnector 1512 is anchored along with a battery-integrated belt panel1522. The thin, flexible, rechargeable battery 1524 is integrated insidethe belt panel at part or full length of the belt. Wires 1526 run fromthe battery 1524 at the belt panel end that is secures the belt buckle1520 to the contacts of the connector 1512 to supply power charging ofthe wireless headset 1510 when they are coupled by simply slidingheadset 1510 along the slider 1514 on the upper part of the belt buckle1520 until the connector receptacle 1518 interlock with the maleconnector 1512. To use the wireless headset 1510, users can easily slideit out in the reverse direction.

FIG. 15B shows another fashion belt system 1501 of one embodiment, wherethe belt buckle is a dock 1540 of the terminal device 1550. It providesflexible fingers 1542 with locking tabs to secure the device 1550. Theseflexible fingers 1542 also function as electrical contacts for chargingthe wireless terminal device 1550 when they are snapped into withelectronic contacts integrated with finger receptacle orifices (notshown here), on the back of the device 1550 where the front houses adisplay screen 1552 (e.g., OLED, e-paper, etc.). Belt panel 1522 mayhouse a panel of battery 1524 as shown on FIG. 15A or a slightlydifferent embodiment where smaller battery bars 1544 are integrated andjoined by wires 1546, as exemplifies in FIG. 15B, to provide electriccurrents to connectors 1542 for recharging device 1550 when device 1550coupled on the dock 1540. Users may use wireless terminal device 1550for information viewing or media consumption while using a third-partyBluetooth headsets or a separate wireless headset that is integratedwith a fashion pendant, ring, tie clip or other fashion accessories.

In addition to flexible finger and orifice mechanism that secure thedevice 1550 to the belt buckle dock 1540, slider mechanism or otherappropriate mechanism for coupling the device 1550 to the belt buckle1540 can be employed.

In some embodiments, wireless headset 1510 is integrated with wirelessterminal device 1550, providing a retractable earbud for voicecommunication or listening to audio content streamed 152 from mobiletelephone 150 or wireless computing devices.

FIG. 16A shows a high level block diagram of an enhanced wireless device1600. It is an enhanced version of embodiment 100 shown on FIG. 1A. Theaddition includes storage 1602, slot for optional memory card (e.g.,micro SD) 1604, cameras 1606 (e.g., front and back), and GPS chip 1608,slot for SIM card 1610, and cellular chip 1612 for device 1600 tocommunicate with cellular networks. Hereafter, this device 1600 will bereferred to as “Wireless Device.”

FIG. 16B exemplifies the wireless device 1600 in various views, whichinclude the perspective view 1650P, the front view 1650F, back view1650B, and the side view 1650S. Perspective view 1650P of the wirelessdevice 1600 consists of slider connectors, one on both sides in oneembodiment, while the straight side view 1650S shows the ball bearings1652 with sliders similar to the mechanism shown on FIG. 3F withconnectors 312 a, 312 b but, in addition to width and depth, the lengthL of the connectors also varies and the sides may incorporate male andfemale connectors as shown on 364, both female or male connectors areillustrated on 366 and 368, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3L in oneembodiment.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, the ballbearing connectors as illustrated on the side view 1650S of the wirelessdevice 1600 consists of sixteen ball bearings 1652 as electricalcontacts with eight side by side, with the slider bar 1654 (one on eachside for female connector 366 as shown on FIG. 3L). For example, eachball bearing contact represents a certain signal.

In this particular embodiment, electrical contacts 1652 may include:Power, Data +/−, Sense, Ground, Video, Audio, and bi-directional bus.The groupings of the eight contacts may be as follows: set of eight onthe top (four side by side) 1656, of eight on the bottom (four side byside) 1658, set of eight on left side (eight in a vertical row) 1660,and set of eight on right side (eight in a vertical row) 1662.Advantageously, these groupings allow male connectors to mate in areversible position (upside down) or two smaller male connectors (one ontop while other on bottom).

FIG. 17A illustrates the wireless device 1600 that was worn by user 1700while FIG. 17B exemplifies a fashioned digital bracelet 1710 with adisplay screen 1702 on the convex of its surface, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present application, while the thickness, length andwidth may vary from one embodiment & design to another. This bracelet1710 houses one or more internal rechargeable batteries and all requiredcircuitry and firmware with or without integrated removable wirelessheadsets 1212 such as those shown FIGS. 12A and 12B. Wireless headsetwith or without retractable earbud(s) can be housed in any segment ofthe body 1708 of the fashioned bracelet 1710. On both ends 1704 of thebracelet 1710 comprise slider connector receptacles where the matingconnectors 1706, on the sides of the wireless device 1600 can easilyslide in and electrical contacts can be mated. Display 1702 can be OLED,LCD, flexible e-paper, or in combination and display 1702 can be asegment, multiple segments, or full length of the bracelet 1710. FIG.17C illustrates when the wireless device 1600 is incorporated with thefashioned digital bracelet 1710.

FIG. 17D shows the wireless device 1600 with adaptive connectors such asthose with mechanism shown on FIG. 3K can be incorporated with thedigital bracelet 1710 and other digital fashion accessories & jewelry.In this embodiment, the device 1600 consists of four rotatableconnectors 1722 a, b, c, and d, with one on each corner. One end 1730 aof the bracelet 1710 comprises a male connector 1728 a and one port 1726b while the other end 1730 b of the same bracelet 1710 includes one port1728 b and male connector 1726 a. When bracelet 1710 is not coupled withthe wireless device 1600, the male connector 1728 a of the bracelet 1710can be inserted to the port 1728 b while the other connector 1726 ainserted to port 1726 b for coupling both ends to fasten the bracelet1710. The wireless device 1600 can be coupled with the digital bracelet1710 by inserting the male connector 1728 a from the bracelet 1710 intothe connector receptacle 1724 a integrated in the device and insertingthe other connector 1726 a to the other connector receptacle 1724 c ofthe device. Therefore built-in battery of the digital bracelet 1710 canbe used to power and/or charge the wireless device 1600. At the sametime, a user can use the digital bracelet 1710 like a mobile phonetaking user's input via bracelet's integrated and curved multi-touchdisplay 1702. In another embodiment, the connectors 1728 a, 1726 aintegrated with the bracelet 1710 and the four rotatable connectors 1722a, b, c, d integrated with the wireless device 1600 can be arrangeddifferently. Also, it is not restricted to two male connectors 1728 a,1726 a and four rotatable connectors 1722 a, b, c, d. The number ofconnectors and connector receptacles can be varied.

FIG. 18A exemplifies various ways the unique wireless device 1600 can beused with companion devices 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 in accordance with anembodiment of the present application. Like the digital fashionedbracelet shown on FIGS. 17B and 17C, all of these companion devices1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 consists of a display (e.g., OLED) and internalrechargeable battery with the necessary circuitry and firmware a longwith slider connector receptacles on the sides such as those shown onFIG. 3L.

In one configuration, the connectors (on both sides) of the wirelessdevice 1600 are both female 360 such as example 366 shown on FIG. 3Lwhile companion device 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 may contain one or moreconnectors (a male 362 or female 360).

When wireless device 1600 coupled with a phone companion device 1810,tablet companion device 1820, another tablet companion device 1830, ordesktop flat panel monitor 1840, wireless device 1600 may use its owninternal battery for powering or drawing battery from companion devices1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 or drawing battery from companion devices onlywhen battery source of wireless device 1600 is below certain capacity(e.g., battery source is less than 20%).

1840 can also be a flat panel television. An adapter (not shown) can beused for connecting wireless device 1600 to existing third-party TVs anddesktop monitors that do not already have an appropriate connectorintegrated.

It should be understood that the connector and connector receptacle canbe in a different form. For instance, connectors for wireless device1600 and companion devices can be such shown on FIG. 3A to 3K, notrestricting just the slider connector shown on FIG. 3L.

In some embodiments, users can define or predefine when and how batteryshould be charging and/or powering a wireless device 1600 and companiondevices 1810, 1820, 1830, and 1840. Companion devices 1810, 1820, 1830,1840 may also consists an integrated wireless headsets 1220 a & b asshown on FIG. 12B.

It should be understood that, in addition to fashioned digital bracelet1710 shown on FIGS. 17B and 17C as well as companion devices 1810, 1820,1830, 1840 shown herein, wireless device 1600 can also be incorporatedwith fashioned pendants, key chain tags, bag decoration tags, beltsystem, etc. Furthermore, wireless device 1600 are not restricted to becoupled with companion devices 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 on the left cornersuch as shown on FIG. 18A—it can be coupled on anywhere of the device(e.g., middle, front, back, horizontal, etc.).

FIGS. 18B and 18C reveal electrical signals and currents of wirelessdevice 1600 and add-on peripherals 1851, 1852, 1853, and 1854 whereadd-ons can be companion devices 1810, 1820, 1830, and 1840 as well. Inaccordance with the present application, wireless device 1600 andcompanion devices 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 can be coupled, via a connectorreceptacle, with one or more add-on peripherals 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854such as: additional battery unit, keyboards unit, external speakersunit, wired or wireless headset unit, external storage, special cameraunit, flash light unit, scanner unit, printer unit, non-functionalornament unit, etc.

Electrical signals can be transmitted directly to and from any of theadd-on units 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854 to the wireless device 1600 ortransmitted to wireless device 1600 through one or more add-on units.For example, in one configuration in FIG. 18B, a wireless device 1600 iscoupled with an external keyboard (add-on #1 1851) where add-on #1 1851is coupled with a battery pack (add-on #2 1852) where add-on #2 1852 iscoupled with an external special camera (add-on #3 1853) where add-on #31853 is coupled with a phone companion (add-on #n 1854) whereas batterypack 1852 still can charge and/or power the wireless device 1600 throughthe non-battery-operable keyboard unit 1851. In this same configuration,external camera 1853 draws power from the battery pack 1852 while phonecompanion 1854 uses its own battery source until it reaches below 10%before it taps into the battery pack 1852 for power while battery pack1852 is charging wireless device 1600. If wireless device 1600 has 90%battery capacity, it can still draw power from the battery pack 1852 butnot for charging, while phone companion 1854 can be charged by the samebattery pack 1852 should its battery capacity become less than 10%.

In another configuration shown on FIG. 18C, wireless device 1600 iscoupled with external storage (add-on #1 1851), where add-on #1 1851coupled with battery pack (add-on #2 1852), where second connector ofthe wireless device 100 is coupled with another battery pack (add-on #31853,) where add-on #3 1853 is coupled with a tablet companion (add-on#n 1854).

Wireless device 1600 should be considered as a primary device forbattery charging priority and it should be prioritized over any of theadd-on peripherals 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, unless wireless device 1600has 90% or greater battery source capacity and battery source of add-onperipherals 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854 is 10% or less. In the sameconfiguration, add-on peripherals for phone companion and tabletcompanion have the next priority (second priority) for battery chargingover other add-on peripherals like camera, scanner, printer,non-functional ornament units, etc. For add-on peripherals (such asdesktop monitor companion or TV companion) with plug-in power source,wireless devices and other coupled add-on peripherals (battery pack,wireless headsets, etc.) will automatically be charged and poweredthrough the add-on peripheral with plug-in power source. Batterycharging flow is described on FIG. 21B.

FIG. 19A-C illustrates a charging system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present application. FIG. 19A shows an example of acharger 1900 with the main body 1906 with attached power cord 1908 orcable with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug for charging through USBports. Main body 1906 houses charging circuitry and at least one maleconnector 1904 and one female port 1902 for charging wireless headsets100, wireless terminal device 100, wireless device 1600, add-onperipherals, and any fashioned digital accessories with a femaleconnector receptacle and male connector, respectively. In someembodiments, charger 1900 may comprise multiple male 1904 connectors andfemale ports 1902 for charging.

It should be understood that rechargeable batteries (described herein)integrated with the device 100, 1600, external battery pack, and otherfashioned digital accessories are capable of bi-directional charging.

FIG. 19B exemplifies the electricity flow of the charging system inaccordance with one embodiment of the present application. For example,device 1920 is plugged to the male connector 1904 of the charger 1906for charging. Concurrently, the charger 1906 also charges multiple unitsvia connector 1912 that is plugged in the female port 902 of the charger1900. Electricity currents travels to the charging systems of the device1922, wireless headset 1924, and external battery pack 1926 via the keyring 1910 by ways of respective connectors 1914, 1916, 1918.

FIG. 19C exemplifies another charging system using an external batterypack 1926 that is also an accessory attaching to the key ring 1910.Electric currents travels from battery 1926 to key ring 1910 viaconnector 1918 in turn charges device 1922 through connector 1914 andconcurrently charges the headset 1924 through connector 1916.

Information of battery level of battery pack 1926, wireless headset1924, and any other fashioned digital accessories that are attached tothe device 1922 via the key ring 1910 will be sent to device 1922 foranalysis and decision tree of how and the priority of digitalaccessories be charged. For instance, if battery level of wirelessheadset 1924 is greater than certain level (e.g., 90%) while batterylevel of device 1922 is less than certain level (e.g., 10%), batterypack 1926 will automatically dedicated to charge the device 1922 withoutcharging the headset 1944 OR vice versa UNLESS otherwise assigned byuser's preference.

FIG. 20A exemplifies various shapes of internal battery. For example,battery can be square 2002, rectangular 2004, oval 2006, circular 2008or any other shape that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill.It should be understood that batteries, in accordance with the presentapplication, should not be limited to only these shapes—they can be anysize and profiles deemed to fit the design of a particular fashionaccessory or jewelry.

Internal rechargeable batteries can also be used in combination of shapeand size. In one example, the necklet 2010, shown on FIG. 20B, housesone large battery 2012 with several smaller battery pack 2014 where theyare connected via hardwires. In another embodiment, the necklet 2010 mayhouse multiple batteries with identical size and shape and evenlydistributed inside the necklet 2010. Still another embodiment, theinternal battery can be shaped like the necklet 2010.

FIG. 20C shows necklace 2020 designed with a string of gems. The ovalgems also house a rechargeable battery in the same oval shapeproportionally. In this particular embodiment, there are two larger ovalbatteries 2022, numerous smaller oval batteries 2024 with a number ofsmall circular batteries 2026 where they are all connected through wires2028 that are wrapped with silver or the link. In another embodiment,the oval gems house rectangular-sized batteries that fit within the ovalgems while the smaller circular 2026 may be omitted. Shapes, sizes, andprofiles of gems can be varied and ornaments and design are not limitedto gems—they can be silver, gold, or any other jewelry materials or incombination.

FIG. 20D shows a cross-sectional view of a necklace 2040 where a seriesof small round batteries 2044 are integrated. In one example, a seriesof circular rechargeable batteries 2044 are stringed by wires 2046, asshown on enlarged view 2042 b of a small section 2042 a of the necklace2040, where negative is connected to positive of each battery. Theserechargeable batteries can be shaped like a cell battery, stick, square,etc. Also it should be understood that these methods and systems toincorporate batteries into various fashion accessories and jewelry inaccordance with the above described embodiments is not limited to onlynecklaces or necklets—they can apply to other fashion accessories andjewelry such as rings, belts, earrings, pendants, bracelets, handbags,tags, etc.

FIG. 21A shows a flow diagram of device and add-on behaviors when theyare coupled. For instance, when an add-on (e.g., companion device,external battery pack, etc.) is coupled with the device 2102, add-on isautomatically detected and information of add-on will be collected andsent to device 2104, then device analyzes the information & status ofeach add-on 2106 before determine rules and sending these set of rulesto add-on 2108. At any time, if additional add-on is plugged in, thisstep 2102 restarts. At any time should one or more add-ons are detached2110, information & status of add-ons will be re-gathered and resend asshown, hence, the process jumps back to step 2104.

FIG. 21B shows a flow chart of powering & charging system. When abattery is attached to the device or headset or via any means 2112,battery or batteries as well as add-ons are automatically detected theninformation will be gathered and sent to device 2114, then deviceanalyzes attached battery or batteries as well as any attached add-ons2116 before setting rules 2118. After rules are determined, rules andinstructions, on how power consumption and distribution should be aswell as charging priority given data of battery at present stage and/oruser preference, are sent to add-ons 2120. If at any time should abattery or any add-on is detached 2122, step 2114 will be restarted.

FIG. 22 shows the user interface system in accordance with the presentapplication. Regardless if it's a wireless headset 100, wirelessterminal 100, or wireless devices 1600, the user interface mappingapplies to them—be it a fashion pendant, bracelet, or bag/keychain tagand with or without display. Below is an example system for controllingthe device 100, 1600. Of course other systems may be developed by aperson of ordinary skill with similar concepts discussed below whileremaining within the scope of the present application.

The segments (A, B, C) and the corresponding touch positions (LF, RF,LS, and RS) also apply and relevant for digital bracelet 1600 when andafter users centered the display. To center display on bracelet, usethumb to press the screen surface with index finger touching the back ofthe bracelet (the surface behind the display) on any segment of thebracelet. On all embodiments, the segregation of the three segments (A,B, C) could be dots or lines on both sides for tactile convenience.

Controlling Mobile Telephone/Device when Incoming Call is Waiting to beAnswered:

-   -   To pick up the incoming call: Squeeze LS1 and RS1 simultaneously        for 2 seconds.    -   To send to voice mail: Squeeze LS2 and RS2 simultaneously for 2        seconds.    -   To silent ringer and/or disable vibration: Squeeze LS3 and RS3        simultaneously for 2 seconds OR shake headset/device back and        forth several times.

Controlling Mobile Telephone/Device when Voice Call is Active:

-   -   To increase voice volume: Lightly squeeze both LS1 and RS1 and        stroke fingers downward motion toward to LS3 and RS3,        respectively.    -   To lower voice volume, lightly squeeze both LS3 and RS3 and        stroke fingers upward motion toward to LS 1 and RS3,        respectively.    -   To end the active phone call: Squeeze LS1 and RS1 simultaneously        for 2 seconds.    -   To mute the active phone call (where other party CANNOT hear        you): Place one finger on LS1 while the other on RS3 then stroke        the one that is placed on LS1 downward to LS3 concurrently        stroke the finger that is placed on RS3 upward toward RS 1.    -   To un-mute the active phone calls (where other party CAN hear        you): REVERSE THE PROCESS. Place one finger on LS3 while the        other on RS1 then stroke the one that is placed on LS3 upward to        LS 1 concurrently stroke the finger that is placed on RS 1        upward toward RS3.

Controlling Mobile Telephone/Device when Media (Audio/Video) is Playing:

-   -   To stop/pause media playing: Double-tap LS1 and RS1        simultaneously.    -   To skip back one track (REWIND): Double-tap LS2 & RS2        simultaneously.    -   To skip one track forward (NEXT): Double-tap LS3 & RS3        simultaneously.

When Headset/Device is on Standby Mode:

-   -   To activate voice command: Squeeze LS2 & RS2 simultaneously for        2 seconds—and hold while speaking the command toward microphone        then release both fingers from LS2 & RS2.    -   To response to a voice command: Squeeze and hold LS2 & RS2        simultaneously—and speak immediately.    -   To access menu: Squeeze LS3 and RS3 simultaneously for 2 seconds

Navigating/Viewing Content on Screen Display:

-   -   To go back one page: Tap LS1 once OR flick LF2 upward toward LF1        (or flick RF2 upward toward RF 1)    -   To skip forward one page: Tap RS1 once OR flick LF2 downward        toward LF3 (or flick RF2 downward toward RF3)    -   To select the highlighted item on screen: Double-tap LS2 & RS2        simultaneously.    -   To scroll page down: Squeeze LS 1 & RS 1 together and stroke        downward motion toward LS3 & RS3 simultaneously.    -   To scroll page up: Squeeze LS3 & RS3 together and stroke upward        motion toward LS1 & RS 1 simultaneously.    -   To zoom in: Place one finger on LS1 while the other on RS3 then        stroke the one that is placed on LS1 downward to LS3        concurrently stroke the finger that is placed on RS3 upward        toward RS1. OR place side of index finger on RS2 (or LS2) with        thumb smudges upward from RF2 (or LF2) to RF1 (or LF1).    -   To zoom out: REVERSE THE PROCESS. Place one finger on LS3 while        the other on RS 1 then stroke the one that is placed on LS3        upward to LS 1 concurrently stroke the finger that is placed on        RS1 UPWARD toward RS3. OR place side of index finger on RS2 (or        LS2) with thumb smudges DOWNWARD from RF2 (or LF2) to RF1 (or        LF1).

With Content/Programs Active on Screen:

-   -   To enter screensaver at any time: Drop wireless terminal from        chest height down below waist OR shake device fast randomly        several times.    -   To entering menu/computing mode while on screensaver mode:        Squeeze LS3 and RS3 simultaneously for 2 seconds.

Specific to Circular Bracelet with Closed-Loop

To enter screensaver at any time: Drop wireless device down below waistOR shake device fast randomly several times.

-   -   To center viewing area (section A to C, A and B, B and C, or B        only) of the display screen on bracelet (any segment): Thumb        presses the screen surface with index finger touching the back        of the bracelet (the surface behind the display) on any segment        of the bracelet.    -   To increase volume, place index finger on the back of bracelet        (the surface behind the display) while thumb smear from RF2 (or        LF2) UP towards RF1 (LF1)    -   To lower volume, place index finger on the back of bracelet (the        surface behind the display) while thumb smear from RF2 (or LF2)        DOWN towards RF3 (LF3).    -   To answer an incoming phone call: Squeeze both sides        simultaneously (on the edge) of the bracelet (any segment) for 2        seconds OR pull out wireless earphone (if available on the        embodiment).    -   To silent ringer and/or disable vibration while an incoming call        has not been answered: Shake bracelet several times.    -   To end an active phone call: Squeeze both sides simultaneously        (on the edge) of the bracelet (any segment) for 2 seconds OR        insert wireless earphone back to integrated port (if available        on the embodiment).    -   To mute the active phone call (where the other party CANNOT hear        you): Place thumb on one side of the bracelet (edge) with index        finger on the other side of the bracelet then stroke one finger        downward while the other finger stroke upward simultaneously.    -   To unmute the active phone call (where other party CAN hear        you): REVERSE THE ‘MUTE’ PROCESS.    -   To active voice command: double tap on both sides (any segment)        of the bracelet and squeeze for 2 seconds—and hold while        speaking the command toward the microphone (or wireless        earphone). Release fingers, when done speaking, for device to        compute and response.    -   To response to a voice command: Within 2-3 seconds, squeeze and        hold both sides (any segment) of the bracelet simultaneously and        speak immediately. Release squeeze when done speaking and wait        for device to compute and response.    -   To access menu: Triple tap both side of the bracelet (any        segment) To zoom in while viewing content on display: Place one        finger on LS 1 while the other on RS3 then stroke the one that        is placed on LS1 downward to LS3 concurrently stroke the finger        that is placed on RS3 upward toward RS1. OR place side of index        finger on RS2 (or LS2) with thumb smudges upward from RF2 (or        LF2) to RF1 (or LF1).    -   To zoom out while viewing content on display: REVERSE THE        PROCESS. Place one finger on LS3 while the other on RS1 then        stroke the one that is placed on LS3 upward to LS1 concurrently        stroke the finger that is placed on RS1 UPWARD toward RS3. OR        place side of index finger on RS2 (or LS2) with thumb smudges        DOWNWARD from RF2 (or LF2) to RF1 (or LF1).

Additional Embodiments and configurations are discussed below withrespect to FIGS. 101A-108. Aspects of these embodiments may be similarto aspects of the embodiments discussed above and aspects of any of theembodiments discussed in the present application may be combined withoutdeparting from the scope of the present application.

As discussed above, smartphone wrist accessories began the process ofestablishing the ‘wearable’ trend. The ideal wearable device—at leastfor consumers—is something sleek, stylish, and comfortable—with theelectronic package interchangeable where consumers can easily removethem and transfer them to another piece of jewelry or fashion accessoryto maximize their investment in the digital communication apparatuses aswith the embodiments described herein. As a result, benefits may beenjoyed by consumers as they are now able to maximize their investmentsand luxuriate in their digital jewelry and accessories, without havingto purchase the electronics package separately for multiple accessory orjewelry items.

In an exemplary embodiment, a “Device Platform” which includes all thecomponents and circuitry necessary for wireless computing andconnectivity, but excluding the battery and display may be provided.Such components and circuitries may include, but are not limited to, aprinted circuit board, memory, communication interface (e.g., Bluetooth,NFC, etc.), GPS, accelerometer, vibration motor, and processor forexecuting software that drives a user display interface and content on ascreen (e.g., touch screen), and transmits data to and from interlinkedwireless devices (e.g., smartphone) and/or the wireless network itself,when coupled with an add-on fashion accessory providing for a batterysource.

Add-on accessories are a companion apparatus to the device platform. Itcan be, but not limited to, a digital pendant, necklet, bracelet,bangle, keychain tag, handbag decoration tag, etc. as discussed above.Add-on accessories are fabricated first for their design as a jewelry orfashion accessories—typically houses an internal rechargeable batteryand receptacle connector to the device platform's connector and may ormay not include a display. Generally, add-on accessories are notfunctional when not coupled with the device platform. However, in someembodiments where e-paper display technology (e.g., E-Ink) is employed,users may be able to use the add-on accessory's display to show agraphic image/pattern as a wallpaper for fashion or aesthetic reasonseven with the device platform detached and/or without battery power. Theequivalent of a PC opening screen with interchangeable wallpaperbackgrounds can become an inherent part of the jewelry or accessory itemdesign or look. The wearer could select a color of denim to matchdifferent denim outfits or upscale the jewelry or accessory item byselecting different colors and patterns such as pattern of her dress,gold or silver mesh or any combination of one or more precious orsemi-precious stones in place of the denim wallpaper.

When the device platform is coupled with an add-on accessory, the userswill have a fully functional wireless terminal device and are empoweredto access and control their mobile phone easily and quickly without everremoving it—even from their pocket or handbag—whether it be a phonecall, music playback, text messages, or social network alerts & updates.Embodiments may effectively allow a consumer to avoid missing a call orbeing the last to know about a Facebook update or importantTweet—because their phone was in their handbag or pocket for theprevious two hours. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the presentapplication, users may track calories burned, steps taken and otherdaily movements to monitor health activities—as well as loss preventionand recovery of mobile phone, accessories, and any apparatuses that areinterlinked.

The device platform or electronics package is constructed in one or moresegments or modules that are attached to a flexible strap. One aspect ofthe exemplary embodiment consists of four segments (or sections ormodules) where all the components and circuitry for a fully functionalcomputing capability are housed. The edges of the strap include magnetsfor convenient and easy removal and then attaching it to various digitalfashion accessories having electrical contacts at one or more ends.

In another embodiment, straps may employ button-like, finger, or othermethods for the device platform to adhere to an add-on accessory yet notrestrict its use to only using magnets. A further exemplary embodimentcomprises more than one set of electrical contacts (e.g., one connectoron each end).

The flexible or semi-flexible strap can be a ‘ribbon cable’ shaped toany curvature (upward or downward; or any direction) or function as astraight/flat strap; therefore enabling the device platform to easilyadapt and fit into or onto any shaped cavity (any arc or flat surface)required by the fashion or jewelry design.

The device platform itself is user interchangeable and adaptive, so thatit may be easily removed and coupled with any companion digital fashionaccessories (add-on accessories) in a manner referred to herein as“coupling”. Coupling is defined herein to mean inserting or attachingthe device platform to an add-on accessory (digital fashion accessory)so that the device platform is not visible—or at least partially coveredby the fashion accessory for aesthetic reasons. Coupling is definedherein similar to “docking”.

“Add-on Accessories” defined herein include, but are not limited to,digital bracelets, bangles, pendants, earrings, bag decoration tags, andkey chain tags, etc. —and can be any form factor, size, finish, color,material, etc. “Add-on accessories” herein also may be referred to as“Fashion Accessories”, “Digital Accessories”, or “CompanionAccessories”—and may include built-in display(s), battery, loudspeakers, directional microphone, camera(s), sensors (e.g., touch,proximity, etc.), antennas, memory card slot, etc.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, digitalfashion accessories such as bracelets, pendants, and tags may include adisplay and/or rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, fashionaccessories also house components and mechanism for wireless chargingand with additional antenna(s) integrated for enhanced wirelesssignals—and may employ more than one display (e.g., LCD, OLEO, e-paper,or combination of display technologies). Add-on accessories house areceptacle connector (electrical contacts) for mating with the deviceplatform so power can be supplied from any add-on accessory's integratedrechargeable battery to the device platform as well as transmitting datato and from both coupled apparatuses (device platform and add-onaccessory).

When a removable device platform is coupled with an add-on accessory,through electrical connections, the battery that is integrated with theadd-on accessory powers its components (e.g., display, sensor, button,etc.) as well as the device platform itself—in turn, full computingfunctionality is therefore available and operable. Subsequently,information and user interface can be transmitted (through the sameremovable, coupled electrical contacts) to the display or displays ofthe attached add-on accessory. As a result, a fully functional ‘WirelessTerminal Device’ is transformed by coupling the device platform with anadd-on accessory. In certain embodiments where one or more describedcomponents (e.g., display, camera(s), etc.) may be omitted on the add-onaccessories, these add-on accessories are still fully functional fordedicated use situations and value propositions when coupled with thedevice platform.

The user interface may be controlled by a user interacting with thetouch display, voice commands, or tactile surfaces of add-onaccessories, as well as gestures (motion) control via accelerometerand/or other sensors should physical button(s) or other mechanism forcontrolling or navigating the user interface be completely absent fromboth the device platform and the add-on accessory or due to userpreference.

The user can pair the wireless telephone and wireless terminal device byhaving them both in contact or close proximity physically. This can bedone using NFC or equivalent technology, and is only required to beperformed for the first time unless the wireless connection is broken orunpaired which then requires re-pairing. Once paired, wirelessconnections (e.g., Bluetooth) between wireless telephone and wirelessterminal device are active—and users can start using the wirelessterminal device to access and control their wireless telephone.Alternatively, the ‘pairing’ can be done via Bluetooth pairing or othermeans.

In some embodiments, the wireless terminal device can transmit data toand from wireless telephone via a Wi-Fi network.

It should be understood, the device platform can also include thecellular transceiver and SIM card integrated—therefore it is afully-functional wireless communication device with the capability oftoday's smartphones. Furthermore, in addition to digital fashionbracelets, the methods described for building an interchangeable andadaptive device platform can also be used in developing a similar deviceplatform for other companion fashion accessories such as earrings,pendants, key chain tags, bag decoration tags, etc.) and not limitedonly to form factors of bracelets and bangles.

The exemplary embodiments may provide a new and improved method ofdesigning and manufacturing wireless terminal devices (companionterminal devices)—by providing an interchangeable, versatile platform tofacilitate the design and incorporation of digital communicationfunctionality with fashion accessories and jewelry, without the need forextensive in-house technical know-how by fashion accessory and jewelrydesigners, even OEMs. The benefits include, but are not limited to:speed to market, reduced costs and technical risks, and digitalaccessories/jewelry can be designed with minimal or no technicalexpertise required.

Furthermore, device platform may also be easily user interchangeablewith any compatible add-on accessories. No tools or cumbersome assemblyand disassembly required to have a fully functional wireless terminaldevice. Advantageously, consumers can maximize their investment byleveraging the “same” interchangeable device platform for numerousbracelets, key chain tags, and bag decoration tags, with different formfactor and designs. The same is true with device platforms for pendantsand other add-on accessories. In one embodiment, an interchangeabledevice platform that is designed for a pendant can be coupled andoperated with a variety of different pendants as well as other companionfashion accessories such as a brooch, bracelet or earrings.

The device platform can be both an interchangeable hardware package thatcan be removed and coupled with other multi-function companion fashionaccessories, or it can be integrated and housed inside certain add-onaccessories.

With reference to FIGS. 101A to 108, various embodiments will now bedescribed in more detail. Examples are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. It is understood that the figures and the example embodimentsto which they relate are not intended to limit the systems and methodsdescribe herein to only the described embodiments or visualrepresentations. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives,modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit andscope of the present application.

FIG. 101A shows a high level electronics block diagram of a deviceplatform in accordance with one embodiment. This embodiment is designedto transmit digital data or a digital equivalent data language or formatto and from wireless communication or computing devices (e.g., wirelesstelephones, tablets, Wi-Fi networks, etc.) using their existing wirelessair-interface protocol. In another embodiment, the device platform maybe equipped with a cellular transceiver and SIM card, therefore capableof a fully functional smartphone and capable of transmitting data to andfrom various cellular networks (e.g., 4G mobile networks) directly orother wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi).

In accordance with another embodiment, the device platform consists of,but is not limited to, a controller, memory (e.g., RAM and SSD/storage),video/audio processor, GPS, vibration motor, accelerometer, sensors(e.g., touch, etc.), various communication interfaces (e.g., Bluetooth,etc.) as well as a connector (e.g., electrical contracts) to transmitdata and electrical signals or pulses to and from receptacle connectorsof companion fashion accessories—while in some embodiments, the deviceplatform may also include a rechargeable battery, power (ON/OFF) buttonor switch or a microphone for audible commands and instructions, memorycard slot (for extra memory storage), and/or speech processor (for voicerecognition, speech-to-text, etc.).

In addition to Bluetooth air-interface, the device platform also mayconsists of other wireless interfaces such as Near Field Communication(NFC), Wide Area Local Network IEEE 802.11 standards (e.g., Wi-Fi),Radio-frequency identification (RFID), cellular network transceiver, andfunctionally similar future protocols and air-interfaces.

FIG. 101B shows a high level block diagram of a typical add-on accessory(companion fashion accessory). Unlike any existing Bluetooth devices inthe market today, add-on accessories in accordance with the systems andmethods described herein may include a physical push-to-talk button, ora touch sensor to empower users to activate the integrated speechcommand function with device platform through the built-in speechprocessor. Touch sensors (single point or multi touch) may allow usersto control the device platform without traditional buttons—and can beintegrated to the fashion accessory itself, not limited to only on touchdisplay (e.g., speech recognition).

In certain embodiments, add-on accessories such as digital bracelets andbag decoration tags may consist of a display or displays, whereas it canbe a touch or non-touch LCD, OLED, or flexible e-paper, while some otherembodiments may comprise of a combination of these display technologies(e.g., part OLED and part e-paper) in accordance with the systems andmethods described herein.

Further in accordance with an embodiment, add-on accessories could housean internal rechargeable battery equipped with a connector for hardwiredcharging, and/or a mechanism for wireless charging. Such chargingcircuitry is capable of bi-directional charging & discharging—simplyput, when add-on accessories are connected to a charging connector orplaced on a charging unit (through electrical contacts or wirelessly),it also charges device platform or any other hardware coupled withadd-on accessory, should a rechargeable battery not be present.

Wireless ear sets (for example, Bluetooth headsets with or withoutmicrophone) for listening to audio content transmitted from user'swireless communication device and/or device platform, may be integratedwith certain embodiments of companion digital bracelets, pendants,keychain tags, bag decoration tags, earnings, etc.—as well as companionaccessories may include but not limited to: one or more cameras, memorycard reader/writer, loud speakers, directional microphone, plug (e.g.,3.5 mm jack for wired headset with microphone or mini-USB) for audio,data, and/or charging, and sensors (e.g., touch, proximity, audibleetc.). Add-on accessories may also have an additional vibration motorand antenna integrated for stronger vibration and enhanced wirelesscommunication signals of the coupled device platform—in someembodiments, the vibration motor and antenna may be omitted in deviceplatforms.

In addition to fashion and new future form factors, companion fashionaccessories are essentially digital peripherals that provide a userinterface for the device platform and, in general, may not be able tooperate independently when decoupled from device platform therewith.According to another embodiment, device platforms may be built-in andnot detachable from add-on accessories.

Although many details for the hardware design in accordance with thesystems and methods may not been described herein in great detail (e.g.,DSP, clock battery, etc.) on the attached high level block diagram, andsome functional components may be omitted here, persons of ordinaryskill in the art will realize the minimum components and requirementsfor building a wireless computing device/computer as related to thesystems and methods described herein.

FIG. 102 Illustrates various views of the device platform.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the device platform consistsof computing components segmented into several sections; therefore eachsection comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) which may or may notitself be flexible and not rigid, or fully integrated chips with asheath casing adhered to a flexible strap which enables the deviceplatform to be bent in various directions. Straps can be made ofsilicone, polymer, other rubber-like or any materials that areheat-resistant and may be bent more or less. In a different embodiment,a rigid strap may be used for a particular form factor including a fixedcurvature.

It should be understood that the device platform can be segmented intovarious numbers of sections and not restricted to the four sectionsillustrated herein. Furthermore, the size (length, height, width) of thedevice platform may also vary—any variations would be within the spiritand scope of the present application. “Section” is defined as a “Module”described above.

On one end of the module mounted strap, a connector is built-in and islinked to the circuitry of the device platform. Connectors may compriseeight, fourteen or any number of electrical contacts (pins) which arerequired to carry a variety of data and sustainable by the supply power.Connectors can be magnetized, plug-like, or take any other form-factoror mechanism used for easy and repeated coupling/docking With such aconnector, a large amount of functionality can be achieved.

In other embodiments, the connector may be integrated on both ends ofthe device platform or provided a different methods for insertion andremovable of the electric contacts of the device platform, to and fromreceptacle electric contacts of companion accessories.

Along both sides of the device platform, the strap might consist ofmagnets so when it's placed near the orifice of a companion fashionaccessory, the magnetized strap will snap onto or into the companionaccessory. Instantly the male connector (electrical contracts) of thedevice platform is coupled with the receptacle (female) connector(electrical contacts) of the companion accessory, therefore data andelectrical current transmission between the device platform and coupledcompanion accessory is now possible. It may be designed so that no toolsare required for inserting or removing the device platform so that thedevice platform is easily interchangeable from one piece of accessory toanother by the user. Connectors of the device platform and add-onaccessories can be male & female, female & male, male & male, female &female, or any variation so long as they can be mated/coupled.

The flexible strap with or without the magnets on it may allow for aneasy snap coupling of the device platform with the companion fashionaccessories for a snug fit. In the case of a digital bracelet or bangle,the flexible strap may also allow a concave shape for a comfortable andan uninterrupted experience when users are wearing it on their hands orbody. The various modules or packages can also be connected by a ribboncable or comparable direct solder-to-trace technique.

In addition to magnets, other methods and mechanisms may be used tosecure the device platform inside or onto companion fashion accessories.

FIG. 103A exemplifies various embodiments of the systems and methodsdescribed herein. A fully functional fashion accessory, also referred toas a ‘Wireless Terminal Device’, requires a device platform couplingwith a digital companion accessory.

For example, when the device platform is coupled with a circular openbangle, as shown in the top embodiment shown in FIG. 103A, a fullyfunctional digital bangle is ready for use provided the bangle'sinternal battery is not fully discharged and connector and receptacleconnectors are in contact without any obstruction.

The “same” device platform can be easily decoupled from the circularbangle (by pulling the device platform's strap away from a dimple of theinner side of companion accessory) and then insert it to the squarebangle for another full function fashion accessory, as shown in themiddle embodiment of FIG. 103A.

Digital bangles/bracelets can be any size, thickness, or form factor andnot limited to only the square and circular open form factors shownhere. The body of the bangles/bracelets can be rigid or flexible. Itshould also be noted that the device platform can be interchanged fromone companion accessory to another so long as the companion accessorieshave the compatible connector and orifice—even though companion deviceshave different curvature surfaces. For instance, the “same” deviceplatform that was used in the square and circular open bangles can beinserted in compatible keychain tags and bag decoration tags, foranother form of full functional fashion accessory, as shown in the lowerembodiment of FIG. 103A.

Such a versatile and interchangeable device platform may be an advantagefor both jewelry and fashion accessory makers, as well as to consumers.

FIG. 103B illustrates the similar device platform which can be employedwith smaller fashion accessories like earrings and pendants. The methodsof building a smaller device platform is essentially the same asbuilding the device platform shown and used in FIG. 3A.

One “small” device platform can be incorporated and used in numerousdigital fashion accessories. For example, the ‘same’ small deviceplatform can be used, for example, on a necklet, pendant A and pendantB—and can also be adapted to ear ring A, B, and C, as illustrated.

The “same” smaller device platform can also be incorporated to endlessadd-on accessories, so long as the add-on accessories provide acompatible connector and/or orifice for the smaller device platform tobe inserted/housed—regardless of the form factor, design style, with orwithout display, type of fashion accessories, etc.

All pendants and earrings house a retractable ear set and when coupledwith the small device platform, they transform to fully functionalwireless headsets—yet still look like elegantly designed fashion jewelryor accessory. In some embodiments, pendants may be designed for use witha wired headset with or without wireless head set integrated.

The methods and systems for developing device platforms for digitalbracelets and hand bag decoration tags can also be employed to earrings,pendants and other fashion accessories with smaller device platforms.Such smaller device platform may or may not be equipped with reducedfunctionality. For instance, digital accessories such as earrings andcertain pendants do not have a display; therefore a video processor mayor may not be built in on such small device platforms.

FIG. 104 is a simplified flow chart illustration of the functionaloperation of the device platform when coupled with an add-on accessoryin accordance with an embodiment. When both of these apparatuses arecoupled, they become a fully functional wireless terminal device.

To use the wireless terminal device, users need:

-   -   10401) To couple the device platform with the desired add-on        accessory whether it be a square bangle, oval bracelet, pendant,        handbag decoration tag, etc.    -   10402) After both the device platform is coupled with an add-on        accessory, now power from one or more built-in battery of the        add-on accessory supplies and powers the device platform.    -   10403) User now can turn on the wireless terminal device (either        by pushing a button or via other means such as voice command or        touch/motion sensor on add-on accessory or directly on device        platform).    -   10404) Data now can be transmitted to and from the device        platform and add-on accessory through the same coupled        connectors that transmit power currents, the device platform        obtains add-on accessory identifiers.    -   10405) The device platform determines whether coupled add-on        accessory is authentic. If NO (authentication fails) pairing        occurs, then the operation is aborted (10407) and the wireless        terminal device can be made non-functional. If YES        (authentication passes), Device platform obtains information        (10406) about coupled add-on accessory (such as component        drivers like speaker(s), microphone, proximity and other        sensors, together with display type & size, number of displays,        etc. if present)    -   10408) Device platform then determines which characteristics and        what functionality can be used with a particular coupled add-on        accessory based on information obtained during prior steps.    -   10409) Now the add-on accessory is authenticated and the        wireless terminal device is fully functional and ready to use.

User can access and control the wireless terminal device via the touchscreen interface or through other touch mechanism. Furthermore, useralso can use voice commands to call for certain actions.

Should users need to recharge the internal rechargeable battery of anyadd-on accessory, users can attached it with compatible charging adapteror place it on a wireless charging platform—with or without the deviceplatform actually coupled.

FIGS. 105A and 105B show link relationships between wireless terminaldevice, wireless headset, and wireless telephone. Wireless terminaldevice is when an add-on accessory is coupled with a device platform andtransformed into a fully functional but specifically featured hardwaredevice.

FIG. 105A illustrates potential communication links between wirelesstelephone, wireless terminal devices (add-on accessory device platform),and wireless headset where wireless terminal device is the central hub.The wireless telephone can transmit data to and from the wirelessterminal device—in turn the wireless terminal device can also wirelesslycommunicate with integrated or 3rd party wireless headset (e.g.,Bluetooth headsets). User may use a wireless headset to control andaccess certain functions of the wireless telephone via a wirelessterminal device. For instance, user could activate or end a phone callby pushing a button on the wireless headset or speaking a command.Furthermore, user could select certain applications directly from thewireless headset.

FIG. 105B shows link connections between wireless telephone, wirelessterminal device (add-on accessory device platform), and wireless headsetwhere wireless telephone is the central hub. Wireless telephone cantransmit data to and from wireless terminal device- and simultaneouslycommunicates with wireless headsets.

In this configuration, users may utilize the wireless headset with thewireless telephone, with or without the presence of a wireless terminaldevice.

It should be noted that the configuration shown on FIG. 105A may beeasily reconfigured to FIG. 105B and vice versa. This can be done bypairing the wireless headset either directly with the wireless telephoneor wireless terminal device.

While embodiments of communication links are wireless signals, wired andphysical connections may be employed in other embodiments. Furthermore,a wireless terminal device may be equipped with a cellular receiver,Wi-Fi or other wireless interfaces to communicate directly with thecellular, Wi-Fi or other wireless networks with or without the presenceof a wireless telephone.

FIG. 106A-108 illustrates various alternative designs and embodiments ofthe present design in a bracelet/bangle form factor.

FIG. 106A illustrates a straight view of a square bangle 10605 withintegrated removable wireless ear set 10615 detached (with retractableear bud 10620 ejected) while a device platform 10610 about to beinserted into the add-on accessory (square bangle) 10605.

FIG. 106B shows a perspective view of the same square bangle with thewireless ear set coupled to the bangle. Moreover, this drawing alsoexemplifies a user-interface on one of the four displays (top screen10625) while the other display (front screen 10630) shows anillustrative Louis Vuitton pattern used as a wallpaper.

In accordance with an embodiment, an oval form factor of the bangle10705 without integrated wireless ear set is shown on FIG. 107 whileanother circular but open bangle 10805 with a smaller form factorwireless ear set 10810 illustrates another embodiment shown on FIG. 108.

It should be understood that companion accessories can be of any formfactor, any size, built with any materials, and can have differentshapes and curvatures—while digital bangles can be open or close, squareor round, etc. But all variations may be coupled with the same deviceplatform whereas its flexible strap allows the adaptive characteristics.Therefore such a device platform not only can be coupled and used withbracelets/bangles, it can be removed, coupled and used with keychaintags, bag decoration tags, certain pendants, and other compatiblecompanion accessories.

In so far as the description above and the accompanying drawingsdisclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope ofthe single claim below, the inventions are not dedicated to the publicand the right to file one or more applications to claim such additionalinventions is reserved.

Although a very narrow claim is presented herein, it should berecognized that the scope of this application is much broader thanpresented by the single claim. It is intended that broader claims willbe submitted in one or more future or continuation applications thatclaim the benefit of priority from this application.

The present application has been described with reference to certainpreferred and alternative embodiments that are intended to be exemplaryonly and not limiting to the full scope of the present application.

We claim:
 1. A communication device comprising: a wearable accessoryhaving a first power source; a telecommunications device comprising atransceiver configured to allow wireless communication, wherein thetelecommunications device is configured to couple and decouple with thewearable accessory, and wherein the telecommunications device isconfigured receive power from the first power source when coupled withthe wearable accessory.
 2. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe telecommunications device further comprises a second power source,wherein the telecommunications device is configured to receive powerfrom the second power source when the telecommunications device isdecoupled from the wearable accessory, and wherein thetelecommunications device is configured to charge the second powersource using the first power source when the telecommunications deviceis coupled to the wearable accessory.
 3. The communication device ofclaim 1, wherein the transceiver of the telecommunications devicecomprises a cellular chip configured to communicate with a cellularnetwork.
 4. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the transceiverof the telecommunications device comprises a Bluetooth chip configuredto communicate with another Bluetooth device.
 5. The communicationdevice of claim 4, wherein the Bluetooth device is a cellularcommunications device and wherein Bluetooth chip is configured tointerface with the mobile communications device to communicate with acellular network.
 6. The communication device of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the wearable accessory and the telecommunications devicecomprises a display screen.
 7. The communication device of claim 6,wherein the display screen is a touch screen configured to receive userinput.
 8. The communications device of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe wearable accessory and the telecommunications device includes atleast on earphone.
 9. The communications device of claim 8, wherein theat least one earphone is configured to be retractable into a cavity. 10.The communications device of claim 9, wherein the at least one earphonecomprises a spring member configured to extend the at least one earphonefrom the cavity when a release mechanism is activated.
 11. Thecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the wearable accessorycomprises a bracelet, and wherein the telecommunications device isconfigured to couple to a portion of the bracelet.
 12. Thecommunications device of claim 11, wherein the bracelet furthercomprises a display screen formed on a surface of the bracelet.
 13. Thecommunications device of claim 12, wherein the display screen is a touchscreen configured to receive user input.
 14. The communications deviceof claim 11, wherein the telecommunications device comprises at leastone earphone.
 15. The communications device of claim 14, wherein the atleast one earphone is configured to be retractable into a cavity formedon the telecommunications device.
 16. The communications device of claim15, wherein the at least one earphone comprises a spring memberconfigured to extend the at least one earphone from the cavity when arelease mechanism on the telecommunications device is activated.
 17. Thecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the wearable accessorycomprises a necklace, and wherein the telecommunications device isconfigured to couple to a portion of the necklace.
 18. Thecommunications device of claim 17, wherein the necklace furthercomprises a display screen formed on a surface of the necklace.
 19. Thecommunications device of claim 18, wherein the display screen is a touchscreen configured to receive user input.
 20. The communications deviceof claim 17, wherein the telecommunications device comprises at leastone earphone.
 21. The communications device of claim 20, wherein the atleast one earphone is configured to be retractable into a cavity formedon the telecommunications device.
 22. The communications device of claim21, wherein the at least one earphone comprises a spring memberconfigured to extend the at least one earphone from the cavity when arelease mechanism on the telecommunications device is activated.
 23. Thecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the wearable accessorycomprises at least one earring, and wherein the telecommunicationsdevice is configured to couple to a portion of the at least one earring.24. The communications device of claim 23, wherein thetelecommunications device comprises at least one earphone.
 25. Thecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the wearable accessorycomprises a ring, and wherein the telecommunications device isconfigured to couple to a portion of the ring.
 26. The communicationsdevice of claim 25, wherein the ring further comprises a display screenformed on a surface of the ring.
 27. The communications device of claim26, wherein the display screen is a touch screen configured to receiveuser input.
 28. The communications device of claim 25, wherein thetelecommunications device comprises at least one earphone.
 29. Thecommunications device of claim 28, wherein the at least one earphone isconfigured to be retractable into a cavity formed on thetelecommunications device.
 30. The communications device of claim 29,wherein the at least one earphone comprises a spring member configuredto extend the at least one earphone from the cavity when a releasemechanism on the telecommunications device is activated.
 31. Thecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the wearable accessorycomprises a at least one cuff link, and wherein the telecommunicationsdevice is configured to couple to a portion of the at least one cufflink.
 32. The communications device of claim 31, wherein the at leastone cufflink further comprises a display screen formed on a surface ofthe cufflink.
 33. The communications device of claim 32, wherein thedisplay screen is a touch screen configured to receive user input. 34.The communications device of claim 31, wherein the telecommunicationsdevice comprises at least one earphone.
 35. The communications device ofclaim 34, wherein the at least one earphone is configured to beretractable into a cavity formed on the telecommunications device. 36.The communications device of claim 35, wherein the at least one earphonecomprises a spring member configured to extend the at least one earphonefrom the cavity when a release mechanism on the telecommunicationsdevice is activated.
 37. The communications device of claim 1, whereinthe wearable accessory comprises a belt, and wherein thetelecommunications device is configured to couple to a portion of thebelt.
 38. The communications device of claim 37, wherein the beltfurther comprises a display screen formed on a surface of a portion ofthe belt.
 39. The communications device of claim 38, wherein the displayscreen is a touch screen configured to receive user input.
 40. Thecommunications device of claim 37, wherein the telecommunications devicecomprises at least one earphone.
 41. The communications device of claim40, wherein the at least one earphone is configured to be retractableinto a cavity formed on the telecommunications device.
 42. Thecommunications device of claim 41, wherein the at least one earphonecomprises a spring member configured to extend the at least one earphonefrom the cavity when a release mechanism on the telecommunicationsdevice is activated.
 43. The communications device of claim 1, furthercomprises a connector configured to couple and decouple thetelecommunications device to the wearable accessory.
 44. Thecommunications device of claim 43, wherein the connector is configuredto transmit power from the first power source to the telecommunicationsdevice when coupled to the wearable accessory.
 45. The communicationsdevice of claim 43, wherein the connector is configured to transmitsignals between the wearable accessory and the telecommunicationsdevice.
 46. The communications device of claim 1, further comprising acharging member configured to connect to at least one of the wearableaccessory and the telecommunications device and charge the first powersource.
 47. The communications device of claim 46, wherein the chargingmember is configured to connect between the telecommunications deviceand the wearable accessory.
 48. The communications device of claim 46,wherein the charging member is configured to connect to a wall socket tocharge the first power source.
 49. The communications device of claim 1,wherein the telecommunications device comprises at least one a modularplatform configured to conform to a curvature of the wearable accessory.50. The communications device of claim 1, further comprising a pluralityof wearable accessories, each of the plurality of wearable accessorieshaving a first power source; and wherein the telecommunications deviceis configured to selectably be coupled and decoupled with any one of theplurality of wearable accessories interchangeably.